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THE LIFE 

— OF — 

REV. JOHN FETTERHOFF 

ONE OF THE EARLY FATHERS 



UMTED BRETHRES U CHRIST 



WRITTEN BY HIMSELF. 



Containing a Summarized Memorandum of his Religious 

Life and Labors, Privations and Providences, from 

his Early Youth up to Superannuated Agedness. 



WITE AN INTEODUCTION BY 

REV. ^y. O. TOBEY 



NOV 17 r 

€HAMBERSBUEG, PATT 
HTNITEr) BRETHRE>' IX CHRIST PRINT. 

1883. 



F^^ 



Entered according to act of Congress, in the year 188:^, 

By Rev. W. 0. Tobfy, 

In the office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington, 
D. C. 



INTRODUCTION 



At the time of his death, a few months ago, Rev. John 
Fetterhoff was one of the oldest ministers of the United 
Brethren church. His memory ran back to the early 
fathers, and his labors began when the church was a 
mere handful. The country itself was yet new, and 
pioneer work was the order of the day. Father Fetter- 
hoff was among the foremost in his response to the im- 
pulses of the country and the church. He went forth 
bearing-precious seed, and bent his energies to the work 
waiting on every hand. He filled up the measure of a 
long and active life with successful labors. He prosper- 
ed and also did much good. He preached ably and 
effectually. He saw his church rise rapidly under the 
labors and soundness of doctrine and principles which 
characterized the men of his day. The regret with 
many to-day is, that the mantle of such wise builders 
has not fallen on more of the present generation of 
church leaders. 

The present volume is the result of the methodical 
and accurate habits of father Fetterhoff, and is a valua- 
ble contribution to the literature of the church. It is 
published by his bereft wife and children with the hope 
of promoting the cause of truth as well as perpetuating 
the many valuable facts which are recorded and set in 
the proper order of history. The spirit and tendency of 



4 INTRODUCTION. 

the United Brethren church have changed very much 
within the past twenty years. A few of the fathers 
whose active labors closed, alas, too early ! lingered 
among their younger brethren to see a growing disposi- 
tion to question and even deny the validity of the origin 
of distinctive church principles. This volume will con- 
tribute much useful and timely information. The 
fathers ought to be granted the privilege of explaining 
and vindicating their own action in framing church 
government. The assertion of younger men ought to 
yield to the facts recorded by their elders. Deference 
for age and pioneer labors should lead numbers to seek 
after the many valuable truths of this autobiography. 

It was my privilege to witness the closing of life with 
the venerable man whose history is now before us. He 
was serene and confident. His life had been prolonged 
as well as adorned by habits of virtue, sobriety, industry 
and frugality. He was ready to depart as a " far better " 
portion than even a Hfe so wisely passed among men. 
His memory is worthy to be held in esteem by vrs, as it 
will be held in everlasting remembrance in heaven. 

W. O. TOBEY. 

.Cpiambersburg, Pa., May 24th, 1883. 



LIFE OF REV. JOHN FETTERHOFF. 



I was born the ninth day of September, in 
the year 1798, the son of Matthias and Mary 
Fetterhoif, living in the vicinity of Littlestown, 
Adams county, Pennsylvania, on McSherry's 
place, where my mother died ; whence father 
moved to Franklin county. Pa., when I was 
about four years old ; thence to Baty's, about 
three miles from Chambersburg. There the 
state of learning and religion was such that 
schools were few and poor, and churches and 
preaching as few and poor. My father ^as 
nominally a Lutheran, but did not profess to 
be a Christian. I was raised without the bene- 
fit of school or church. But I became relig- 
iously influenced in early life. In my seventh 
year I got under conviction. It eftected my 
countenance and behavior so that it was noticed 
by my people and others. My father did not 
know anything of inward religion — of the love 
of God in the heart, and from a want of this he 



fi LIFE OF JOHN FETTEKHOFF. 

did not know what was the matter with me : 
neither did any of his neighbors know anything 
about such a thing as hnowing that one's sins 
are forgiven. And the world around me held 
all such concern as I showed to be a gloomy 
bewilderment and a sad delusion. 

Such were my surroundings when I tirst felt 
myself to be one of the sinners of this wicked 
and blind world. I did not know what to do. 
I had nothing and nobody to direct me. I 
could not read the Bible, nor had I anybody to 
teach me what the Bible said about believing 
and trusting and loving God and becoming 
happy in Jesus. But there was a monitor in 
my breast that told me I must die, and was not 
lit to die ; that if I did not pray and become 
better I must perish. My distress increased 
more and more. Father tried to soothe me, 
but no man could comfort my soul. My con- 
victions died out, at length ; but still I felt no 
peace with God ! (O unconverted parents seek 
pardon and peace, and don't hinder your awak- 
ened children, lest you and your children per- 
ish together in your guilt and sins.) 

My father moved about from place to place 
till he got near Chambersburg again, some years 
after I lost my first convictions and concern of 
soul. There convictions seized me again, in 



LIFE OF JOHN FETTERHOFF. 7 

my eleventh year, and awakened my dull soul 
another time. I became troubled about what 
I was and what would become of me when I 
died that I could not rest day or night, but 
could only weep and cry and tremble. Father 
again tried to soothe my sorrow with the things 
of this world and the affairs of this life. But 
all that was vain — my distress only increased. 
At last father's fellow strangers to God advised 
him to punish me for my foolish infatuation. 
So he threatened me with the rod. But that 
only made it worse. It now seemed as if I 
had no friend on earth. Thus I could only 
continue sorrowing without seeing a remedy. 
"VMien father saw that threats did no good, he 
eased off, saying he had acted on his neighbors' 
advice ; was sorry for what he threatened to do. 
From this my conviction gave way again, and I 
became unconcerned ; and yet something within 
me told me I was sinning when 1 was trifling 
and sporting. By this time all my sisters had 
left fother ; and as he was still a widower he 
homed himself with one of my sisters, and I 
was put to uncle Overcash's, where I luckily 
got 07ie month's schooling, which enabled me to 
read pretty well in the German Testament. I 
had one brother ; and as he had a trade, was 
now married and set up in Adams county, I 



?> LIFE OF JOHN FETTERHOFF. 

was sent to him to ^o to Eno:lish school. I 
went to school four months and learned to read 
and write some. I was then needed by my 
uncle for a plow-boy. I went and served him 
one summer, and in the fall went to school 
there. The next spring I went back to my 
brother's and went to school ao^ain awhile. I 
then set in to learn his trade, viz., pottery. 
But in the autumn of the same year, in my 
sixteenth year, my father took me from my 
brother's and hired me to a turnpiker on the 
Baltimore & Pittsl^urg pike, w^ho had many of 
such swearing, drinking Irish hands as I had 
never seen before. While there I came near 
fallino^ in with their ha])its. I o:ot to such con- 
duct that I afterward wondered that I was not 
damned for it ! O what mercy that I was 
spared ! At length I stayed my steps, consid- 
ered where it would lead to, and what would 
become of me if I remained with those wretch- 
es. I saw that I w^ould end in hell if I sta^^ed. 
So after one month I left and w^ent to live with 
a steady Mennonite who had a nice family, and 
there I stayed some months. The next fall 
typhus fever broke out. Two of the family were 
taken down along with many others ; and at 
lenofth I also was taken. About two weeks I 
kneAv nothing of myself, and all seeing me 



LIFE OF JOHN FETTERHOFF. 1) 

thought I must die. In the l^egiunino^ of my 
sickness I tried to pray, because I felt that if I 
should die it would not be well with me. Aft- 
er continuing thus a while, I became tranquil 
and fell into a kind of trance or suspension of 
bodily functions. In this state I lay about 
eleven days ! My soul appeared to be hovering 
between heaven and earth ; having no pain ; 
always calm, and often joyful ! At the end of 
the eleven days I was much like one awaking 
from sleep. I was told I ate l)ut little, and it 
was thought I would die from hunger, if not 
from the sickness. That was my tirst sickness » 
It worked in my head and breast ; and it enfee- 
bled my memory, which had Ijeen better tlians 
that of any one else among my acquaintance. 
After my recovery from this sickness I became 
steadier, but was not yet delivered from the 
power of sin and Satan to the living God ; nor 
did I live up to my duty, though people called 
me a steady youth. 

The next winter I went to school again, and 
became more triflino^ ao:ain also. In the follow- 
ing spring I went to Mr. Barnhard Sowers who 
was married to one of my cousins, and who was> 
a professor of religion whose deportment prov- 
ed his piety. There were some four more and 
their wives in the neighborhood who were pious 



10 LIFE OF JOHN FETTERHOFF. 

find held prayer meeting, and had preaching at 
times by a certain John Snyder who travelled 
a circuit among the United Brethren. I used 
to go to meeting with these people where 
preacher Snyder yjr cached when he came along 
in his rounds. Once he told the people in his 
preaching not to forget to pray — never to omit 
secret prayer. I did not know what secret 
prayer was — did not know what he meant. I 
thought I w^ould do as he told us to do, but did 
not know how. One evening after unhitching 
from the plow and feeding my horses, I heard 

11 sound away from the house among some rocks. 
I went to see what it was that I heard. When 
I got near I heard a voice and found that it was 
my emplo^^er praying ! I at once saw that this 
praying was " (secret prayer,'''' and I said to my- 
self, I can do that too. I then soon began 
secret prayer ; prayed six, seven, and even ten 
times a day. And, the oftener the more, for 
the desire to enjoy religion increased ; and so I 
prayed on till the Lord blessed me, and spoke 
peace to my soul. My soul was at once on the 
-vving ; joy filled my heart and praise filled my 
mouth ! I feared neither death, orrave nor hell ! 
O that happy time, how dear to me still ! Soon 
after this temptations began to come — tempta- 
tions to keep still and say nothing about ray 



LIFE OF JOHN FETTERHOFF. 11 

religion and exi>erience ; that I was too young 
anyhow ; that young people knew nothing about 
«uch things ; none but these five old men and 
their ^vives ; that as I got my religion in secret 
I <^ould keep it in secret. I yielded to these 
sad temptations, though I still went to prayer 
meeting, and not with old comrades. Some- 
times my soul would l:)e so full in meeting that 
I could hardly hold in, and yet I did hold in 
and smother my feelings and quench the 
Spirit ! 

In the fall I went to see my brother again. 
His conduct and the family's was so awful in 
my sight and in God's sight, that I did not 
know what to do, for I saw they were on the 
direct way to hell ! Once when they and his 
mother-in-law were all in the room, I went into 
the shop and wept and lamented until at length 
it seemed I ought to stay there, and just give 
them an example how to live. My brother had 
wanted me to stay and learn his trade ; but I 
had declined, knowing the wickedness of the 
neighborhood and m}' weakness. But in Sep- 
tember I joined in ,with him, being now 
seventeen years of age. I endeavored to live 
close to God, and I felt happy every day. 
The people had began to hear about the 
Methodists, and so the young folks began to 



12 LIFE OF JOHN FETTERHOFF. 

call me a methodist, because I would not swear 
and drink and carouse with them. I did not 
regard this at all ; and when they found this 
would not do they tried quite another way 
(devil like) : they began to entice me to go 
with them to apple pealings and corn huskings, 
which I did. I got cool at once, and I yield- 
ed more and more, until they got me far away 
in a dark night. While yet husking I tried for 
company home through the deep woods, and 
got promises of company when done work. 
But after the Avork they coaxed for delay, then 
constrained a stay for supper, all under promise 
of going soon. But after supper the fiddle 
came forth and a dance began ! I tied to the 
kitchen, from which I once in a while ventured 
out to try for company home. The fuss and 
fun ended after a lon^: time and we went home. 
When I orot home mv inward monitor told me 
to go and pray as afore ; and then something 
seemed to tell me I dare not, for I had been at 
a frolic. I knew^ that was so ; I was at a frolic, 
if I did not join in it, and I felt thrown back. 
I went to bed without praying, and in the 
mornino^ the same thino: occurred aofain. In 
this way Satan got advantage. And because 1 
did not pray for overcoming grace, darkness- 
came over me, and he and his emissaries came 



LIFE OF JOHN FETTERHOFF. 13 

nigh prevailing and bringing me into the broad 
way to hell I My conduct was not as l)ad as 
some others' conduct, }'et I got hardened or 
unfeeling, and by and by thought little about 
death and judgement, though I never got to 
swearing as my company did. And I did not 
lose my veneration for sacred things and esteem 
for good people. When others ran down the 
Methodists I would keep still or take their part. 
For they were then a good, unworldly people, 
and were ridiculed and slandered only l^ecause 
they were a praying people. In this way I 
lived on nearly through my apprenticeship. 
Then that '''true Light'' that came into the 
world to enlighten every man so re-enlightened 
me that I saw plainly where I had 1>een and 
where I was then. I then turned in again to 
pray and seek that dear l^eloved one from whom 
I had wandered But it seemed as if my pray- 
ers could rise no higher than my head ! For 
the devil kept telling me there was no religion 
for me ; that God was so angry with me that he 
would not hear me again ; that 1 had sinned 
against the Hoi}- Ghost. This caused doubt 
and un])elief to arise in my heart. I had no 
one to go to, for I was in the wickedest part of 
the world I ever saw. The people were Ro- 
manists, Lutherans, cVcc, and there was no 



14 LIFE OF JOHN FETTERHOFF. 

diiference to be seen in their moral conduct. 
In this sad condition of things, I did not know 
what to do for myself. 

About this time people told me the Lutheran 
preacher was going to catechise young people 
that spring. So I concluded to go to the cate- 
chising and get religion there. Then a man 
from Shippensburg came for me to work jour- 
ney-work. I promised to come right after the 
catechisino^. I went to the catechising: alonsr 
with fifty-one others. I prayed all I could ; but 
my heart seemed so hard that I remained un- 
eiFected. The catechiser made us promise to 
pray evening and morning ; and that public 
promise before the congregation affected me and 
sunk deep into my heart. I resolved to live up 
to my promise even if I had to perish trying T 
When the catechising was over, I went to Ship- 
pensburg to work journey-work. There I tried 
to keep my promise of praying. My employer 
soon set himself against it. He called me a 
Methodist, and tried to interrupt me all he 
could. 1 stayed only a month because he was 
so immoral I could not endure it, for he swore in 
common talk, and cursed when angry. I left 
this man and went to a man in Chambersbursr, 
who was a civil man, but had no religion. With 
him I stayed three months. My convictions 



LIFE OF JOHN FETfERHOFF. 15 

had returned ; and now again got so oppressive 
that I did not know how to do, or how to en- 
dure life. Sometimes I thought there was no 
more mercy for me ; that I had grieved away 
the Holy Spirit ! In this state of mind I resolv^ 
ed to start out and tell people how I had come 
to be so wretched and unhappy, and warn them 
not to do as I had done, for fear they would 
get to hell where I was doomed to go ! My 
desire was that others should be saved, even if 
I was lost ; for I thought it would be right in 
God to take all others to heaven, and to send 
me and the devil to hell alone ! When I had 
given myself up in that way, then hope began 
to spring up in my poor forlorn soul, and I 
could hope again for mercy if I would live 
aright. And so I began afresh, and prayed in 
such earnest that the neighbors often heard me, 
and came near me to see what was going on 
where I was. When this happened I did not 
rise from my knees for fear of them ; and yet 
I did not feel peace in my soul, though there 
was then lackino: but faith in the Saviour. I 
then thought best to change place again. I 
left my employer, much against his will, and 
went again to my uncle's to make my home 
there, expecting to get religion there, for he 
was a praying man. Uncle's wife died, and he 



16 LIFE OF JOHN FETTEKHOFF. 

got my youngest sister to keep house for him. 
My sister got religion, and they had daily wor- 
ship. I went there about New Years. I tried 
to conceal my uneasiness of mind, and made up 
my mind to just set in with them in their wor- 
ship in the family and in prayer meeting (for 
professors then all prayed ; there were then no 
dumb professors and no still-born chil4ren). 
But every time I meant to pray it seemed as if 
the devil held my mouth shut until they had 
risen from their knees ! Sometimes I thought 
I would tell my sister that they should wait for 
me, that I wanted to pray too ; but then my 
mouth was held shut from that also, so I did 
not do that. I still thought with a proper 
chance I would pray, for I felt as if the Lord 
would liless my soul if I would go to prayer in 
public. In this struggle I prayed privately, 
iind wrestled and moaned, until at length Satan 
suggested that I better give up, foi^ if I got 
religion I would only be as lonely as lost sheep 
in a wilderness ; that 1 should have no compan- 
ions ; that there were no young people there 
that prayed in public, and I would have to go 
with old folks onl}-. I was sorely tried by this 
for some time. But I finally concluded that if 
I would go at it in real earnest the Lord 
would find companions for me who would join 



LIFE OF JOHN FETTERHOFF, 17 

me to serve him. So I resolved sincerely now 
to set out and be at it soon : but I was aoain 
deterred and induced to delay it, though not to 
give it up altogether. 

February 25th, 1818. There came a preach- 
er by the name of Valentine Baules, of the 
people called United Brethren, into the neigh- 
borhood near where I lived, and had meeting 
one day at 10 o'clock and at 3 o'clock, o miles 
away. I went to hear him at both appoint- 
ments. While preaching in the afternoon, I 
sat rio^ht afore him. He looked me rio^ht in the 
face and pointed out the necessity of praying. 
And while looking me thus in the face he said, 
*' O young man, you know you ought to pray ; 
and why do you not go at it, and so give your- 
self up to God ?" This came home to my heart 
like thunder ! I came near crying out aloud ! 
But I quenched the spirit again, thinking I 
would pray when I got home. When meeting 
was over I started to go home. When about 
half way home fears began to rise that may be 
I could not keep my promise. Going through 
a piece of woods I came to a very nice white- 
oak. I stopped and stood and looked at it, 
and thought, O if I could flourish like this tree ! 
and then I fell down upon my knees by the tree 
with a determination not to rise till God would 



18 LIFE OF JOHN FETTEPwHOFF. 

let me feel that I could open my mouth in 
prayer when I got home. It was quite a while 
till evening. I wrestled on until sunset, and 
then I fell into a kind of trance, in which I 
knew nothing of myself. After this had come 
over me I started homeward. When I got 
home my uncle wanted me to sing some, for I 
was called a good singer. I took up a hymn 
book and began to sing. My sister assisted in 
singing. But all appeared like a dream ! 
When we had sung a good while, uncle said we 
would have prayer and then go to bed. He 
knelt down, and the others, and I with them, 
not really knowing what I was doing ! The 
old man began to pray. I heard him, but 
seemed to be unfeeling and hardly conscious of 
myself. In praying he got very loud, and 
began to rejoice, I not knowing why. At 
length I was just like one who wakes out of 
sleep. When I had fairly come to myself, I 
found I had been praying aloud a good while. 
It seemed as if my soul was sinking down. 
I wept and cried to the Lord for help. My 
old uncle still continued his rejoicings ! At 
last I exclaimed. Amen ! They then rose to 
their feet, and I got up and seated myself on a 
bench at the end of a table, in great agitation. 
Uncle was full of the love of God, and rejoiced. 



LIFE OF JOHN FETTERHOFF. 19 

saying, O how good the Lord is ! As he said 
that, it ran throuo^h me like a thrillinof flash and 
burnt in my breast, so that it seemed my heart 
must leap out of my mouth ; it seemed as if all 
was on the wino^. Had I been alone I mijjht 
have shouted ! But the boys were by. They 
were my companions, and I thought if I was to 
show out very much they might think I was 
acting the hypocrite ; for there were none then 
that shouted where we were then living ; so I 
restrained myself all I could that time, and 
went to bed. But I slept very little that night, 
for my soul was too happy to let me sleep, to 
think that I had found my Beloved again. The 
next mornino- when I rose I kneeled and com- 
mitted myself to God, and then went to my 
work. It now seemed as if there was a sepa- 
rating line drawn between me and my compan- 
ions. When we were o^oino: to breakfast I 
expected family worship, and thought that 
uncle would want me to pray. As I thought 
on it, Satan told me I had better not pray then, 
that my gift was too small to pray openly be- 
fore others, and also that my comrades would 
mock me for praying with old folks. When I 
thouofht over these thins^s I saw that to hold 
back and fear in this way would not be taking 
up my cross ; so I resolved to bear the cross 



20 LIFE OF JOHN FETTERHOFF. 

and from that day serve the Lord, let come 
what would ; that Satan and his party should 
not have it to say that I had so soon again giv- 
en up. After this resolution I never faltered 
about taking up my cross when I felt it duty to 
pray. I then went on in religion, happy every 
day for some time. 

The next occurrence was startling. It seem- 
ed as if a voice said to me that I should go and 
'preach! That immediatel}^ shocked my mind, 
for I feared it might be a temptation of Satan 
to run me into an extreme thereby, to throw 
me back. I turned to the Lord in earnest pray- 
er, and the more I prayed the more I felt con- 
victed that I ought to preach. Then to ease 
my convictions I began to seek excuses. I 
made these : First, I was too young ; second, I 
had no learning ; third, I was uncouth in my 
ways. Almost as soon as I opposed my con- 
victions I was bereaved of the blessedness I had 
enjoyed in religion, and was overtaken with 
awful feelings. In sadness I turned again to 
the Lord in prayer ; l)ut my prayers would not 
rise and could not reach my God until I became 
willing to submit to all God's ways with me. 
When I yielded to him then he blessed my 
uneasy soul again. But upon this immediately 
-came again the impression that I ought to go 



LIFE OF JOHN FETTFRHOFF. 21 

and call sinners to rejyentance, I then declined 
compliance again, and was also thrown into my 
former sadness again ! So the things ran on 
about ten months. I did not divulge " the bur- 
den of the Lord " to my old brethren for fear 
that they might think it was only a Avish to be 
a preacher. So my uneasiness continued, and 
even increased for a time, so that I knew not 
where to go or what to do to be delivered ; 
even at my work I often fell on my knees and 
cried out to know what to do for relief, and the 
answer alwa3^s was the same. Go and preach! 
But 1 still said, "O Lord I can not go." I 
Avas in unrest awake and asleep. By night I 
did dream ; sometimes that there Avere mad 
dogs after me, at others Indians, other times 
Africans. Once I dreamed I Avent to a neigh- 
bor's house of two rooms, one empty and the 
other full ; that I entered the empty and saAV 
into the full one, and saAv them all black, and 
heard them SAvearins: and cursins; each other 
most aAvfully. The people at this neighboring 
house Avere good neighbors, but Avere uncon- 
A-erted and Christless. So fearful did the sight 
seem that it frightened me aAvay. But it ap- 
peared as if there Avas a small man Avith me 
dressed entirely Avhite. He gave me to knoAV 
that he Avished me to talk to them. But it 



22 LIFE OF JOHN FETTEKHOFF. 

seemed I did not know what to say to them. 
So I went off through a field and he came after 
me. In going oflT from that scene I came on to 
a high mount where there were two enormous 
black he goats that came towards me, and a 
black man said to me that these would now kill 
me. This saying shocked me. Then the white 
man with me said that if I would be obedient I 
should not be hurt. This greatly encouraged 
me, and I stood till they came on. When they 
had come near me, I seized one by the neck, 
and the white man leaped astride the neck of 
the other. There was a hickory tree between 
us. I reached over and grasped the other by 
the head and thumped their heads together 
against the tree until they were glad to be let 
go, and when let off they fled away in haste. 
There seemed to be many people after us who 
were all Irish and had guns. And they told 
me that if I did not give up my money they 
would shoot me. But that unearthly white- 
robed man who was with me told me I should 
not give it up ; that I would have much need of 
it ; that I should not fear them, for they could 
not shoot me. So, while I went along and they 
followed, I told them that I hadn't much, and 
what I had I got by hard work ; and that I 
should not give it up. Then they snapped 



LIFE OF JOHN FETTERHOFF. 23 

their guns at me, but not one went off. So we 
proceeded till we reached a large wood, where 
was a lane made of posts and boards, about tw^o 
feet wide, three and a half high, crowded with 
Indians, in it, and outside of it, over half an 
acre of ground. Then the white man told me 
to go through this lane. (I did not yet know 
whence the white man came, and it seemed 
unallowable to ask.) When he had told me to 
go through the lane, I took the first Indian with 
the right hand by the neck and jerked him 
behind me, and the next with the left ; and so 
I went on till I came almost to the end of the 
lane, to the last Indian, who was so tall that I 
could not reach near up to his neck, but I 
jumped up, caught him by the neck and jerked 
him down on a board of the fence so violently 
that his head flew off! and suddenly his head 
and body, and all the Indians vanished ! I 
then looked where he had stood, and there 
there seemed a white child lying. The w^hite 
man told me the child was to go through too. 
When it came to that great Indian (or devil, 
may be) he tramped it down. I picked it up 
into my arms, and when I had gone a short 
distance I came to the end of the lane. And 
there was the most beautiful place I ever saw 
or thought of. It was all as white as snow. 



24 LIFE OF JOHN FETTERHOFF. 



1 



and adorned with gems. The joy and beauty 
of the place overwhelmed me. I felt that I 
and that child were delivered from all our ene- 
mies. And I found out that it w^as Jesus that 
had been with me all the time. This made me 
so glad that I threw myself and the child at the 
feet of Jesus, and rejoiced aloud until I aioohe 
from my dream,. 

The next morning I was asked why I made 
such a noise in the night. I answered that I 
had dreamed, and that I was now fully convinc- 
ed that it was my duty to warn sinners to flee 
from the w^rath to come. Truly I was convinc- 
ed of my duty, and yet I delayed the doing of 
my duty as to preaching. 

In October (22), 1818, there was a Quarter- 
ly meeting at Hagerstown. I attended. We 
had a very o-ood time at that meetins:. There 
were some convicted. Sunday morning there 
was love-feast. I felt to tell my experience 
also with others, but the fear of man took me 
so that I could not rise to my feet. I thought 
then it would do to w^ait till the brethren and 
sisters had risen, who had told their experience 
before. (For I myself had not ventured afore 
that for fear the Spirit would force me on the 
preaching subject.) Something told me, if 
others had done that dutv before that time I 



LIFE OF JOHN FETTERHOFF. 25 

ought to rise and do mine now. In the midst 
of my struggle, ere I was aware of moving, I 
found myself on my feet and talking ! I told 
about my having religion once, and hoAv I had 
lost it and got it again. Soon a young man 
cried out that he once had religion, but now^ 
had none, and that he now must be lost ! In 
this tone he cried and begged for mercy until 
the Lord blessed his soul. In the afternoon we 
went to dine with one of the brethren. After 
dinner we held pra^^er meeting, and they called 
on me to pray. I went to pra3'er, and the 
power of God showed itself wonderfully among 
us. After this one of the preachers called 
Henry Kumler, w\alked up to me, pulled me by 
the arm and took me aside. It shocked me 
much because I knew not wdiat he wanted, but 
yet suspected it was to get at the exercises of 
my mind. I felt unfit to talk to preachers. I 
was very shy, and still loved to be about them 
and hear them. Kumler took me into another 
room. There sat old bishop Newcomer, and 
William Brown who had travelled our curcuit. 
I feared them and loved them too. They told 
me to sit down. After I did so, they told me 
to tell my experience again. I began to fear 
and tremble so that I could hardly speak any. 
They then asked if I did not sometimes feel it 



26 LIFE OF JOHN FETTERHOFF. 

my duty to preach. With trembling heart and 
voice I answered in the affirmative. They 
said I must do that or it would not go well 
with me. Brother Brown then told me his 
experience, which was like fire in my bones. 

When meeting closed I went home, but did 
not know what to do. I went to my work, but 
my uneasiness was so great that I could be 
easy in no way I could turn my attention. I 
sought deliverance and ease, but the more I 
prayed the more force I felt to go to call 
sinners to repentance ! One time I went to 
Chambersburg and bought a riding beast, but 
if any body had asked me w^hat for, I could not 
have told it. My uneasiness was too great to 
stay at home, and my unwillingness to go too 
great to let me go for fear of bringing a re- 
proach on the church on account of my igno- 
rance from lack of learning. I was in suspense 
a long time. I was in painful anxiety. I had 
a beast now — had brought it home, and conclu- 
ded to visit one of my uncles, living in Sinking 
valley, 65 miles off, a brother to my father, 
named Michael. Five or six times I set a time 
for starting, but backed off; and each time I 
felt ease when I meant to go, and uneasiness 
when I failed to do it, till I felt that I must go 
or be damned ! Then two weeks afore Christ- 



LIFE OF JOHN FETTERHOFF. 27 

mas, I started : the first day to Path valley to 
David Bear's whom 1 knew, and who had heard 
of my trials, and put more fire and faith into 
me. Next morning I went to Sherman's valley, 
to William Brown's father, who had been at 
the Hagerstown Quarterly meeting where his 
son had talked to me, and who knew all about 
it. He asked me if I was on the way now. I 
told him I was on the way to visit an old uncle. 
He asked me then whether I would give myself 
up to travel with some one of the circuit riders. 
I said no. He asked why. I said my gift was 
too small. He tried to argue me into it ; but I 
could not yield to his reasoning nor advice. 
Next morning I wanted to start away, but he 
persuaded me to stay and hold prayer meeting, 
for he said one of his niece's was convicted 
when John Russel the circuit preacher was 
there last, and may be she would get religion if 
I would stay. I stayed. They appointed a 
prayer meeting, and he wanted and expected 
and asked me to exhort the people. I told him 
I could not undertake it, for I had never spoken 
any in public. Then he would have me to read 
a chapter and open meeting anyhow. So when 
people had gathered, I rose and read part of 
the 8th chapter of Romans. After reading I 
thought I ought to say something, I venturod 



38 LIFE OF JOHN FETTERHOFF. 

to try — began, and spoke more than I expect- 
ed ! A work of God broke out, and I went to 
prayer. The Lord blessed us wonderfully. 
There were some crying, and some prostrated, 
and that convicted young woman was set at 
liberty. Next morning he urged me to return 
that way, after my visit, and go a round with 
Eussel. I did not agree at first ; but he would 
not let me go without promising. He said I 
might be a great blessing if I did so, even if I 
did not preach, for Russel had no gift for sing- 
ing, and I could be a great help in singing and 
pra^'ing ; and that he also needed company, for 
he was lonesome in those mountains. After 
long parleying, I promised to come back there 
and go with Eussel. I then started across the 
high mountains, by a mere foot-path for about 
25 miles. About two o'clock I reached an un- 
common high mountain, such as my beast could 
hardly ascend. On the top of it I stopped to 
look but could sec no living creature anywhere, 
which made me feel very desolate. I thought 
if I feel thus lonesome and desolate here, how 
must those feel who are banished from God and 
all the good ! And that must be my lot if I 
disobey my God ! I fell on my knees and im- 
plored the Lord to aid me and I would now 
obey God's call. Then my soul was filled witli 



LIFE OF JOHN FETTERHOFF. 29 

joy of my Saviour's presence. I then rose from 
my knees and journeyed on, and about sunset I 
reached a house, but ventured farther, for I was 
told I could reach another staying place. I 
did reach another house, but not afore night, 
and not a place where I could stay. After 
many meanderings and much perplexity in the 
dark and dangerous hindrances by water and 
ice, I reached a stopping place Avith a Methodist 
man who received me kindly, and was good 
company. Next day, early, I reached the 
Juniata river, which I could not cross until 
midday on account of the ice. In twenty-five 
miles more I landed at my uncle's. None of 
them knew me, neither did I know any of them. 
After obtaining privilege to stay over night, I 
told them who I was, and they were glad to see 
me. But I soon found they had no religion. 1 
began to talk about religion, but they seemed 
to understand no more than children of a dozen 
years. I asked and got leave to pray ; then 
talked to them until midnisfht. Next mornino: 
I prayed with the family again, and admonish- 
ed them. I entreated them to seek religion. 
Tears began to flow, and they promised to seek 
it. 

I then started back by way of Path valley 
and Sherman's valley to Brown's, as I promised 



30 LIFE OF JOHN FETTERHOFF. 

to do. Brown persuaded me to go with his 
son and daughter to where Eussel had appoint- 
ed a watchnight meeting. While there they 
coaxed me to asfree to go with him around his 
circuit, which I agreed to do. That night we 
had a glorious time in the conversion of sinners. 
Next morning we started, crossed the Juniata 
on the ice, and were soon among the mountains. 
We reached the first appointment the first day. 
He preached. I exhorted the people and pray- 
ed. We had good' attention, but that was all. 
We w^ent on together over hills and valleys 
along the Susquehanna, around by Buckwheat 
valley to Juniata, thence to Sherman's valley. 
We were two wxeks getting round to Brown's 
again. We had some good times and some 
gloomy seasons too. Then we went to Mr. 
Fleck's, who had a son a circuit rider on the 
Maryland circuit that year. We found him at 
his father's, and we had a good time that night. 
He wanted me with him, but Eussel would not 
agree to my going with him. We went on 
towards Shippensburg and Carlisle ; and so on 
to Harrisburg bridge, and over to Sherman's 
valley, where I then left him and went to P. 
Brown's again. 

In the four weeks I was with Russel I was 
much encouraged to go on, both by brethren 



LIFE OF JOHN FETTERHOFF. 31 

and the Lord. Still doubts would rise about 
my call to this important work. O when shall 
I have faith without any doubt ! I tarried at 
Brown's about two weeks, and worked in the 
fulling-mill. Fleck heard I was at Brown's 
and sent for me, and begged me to go one 
round with him. He pleaded that he could not 
stand it much longer, being consumpted. I 
went to meet him in Path valley, at Flicking- 
ers. I arrived in the evening, but was tempted 
to exhort no more. Just before meeting I went 
out to pray to God that if it was not his will 
for me to exhort, when I got up he should 
strike me speechless : if it was his will he should 
open my way plainly. I went to the house. 
Fleck preached, then told me to rise and speak. 
I did so. My soul soon filled, my voice got 
strong, and we had a fine time. When the 
people were gone, then did I first think about 
my prayer. I then cried out, O Lord how I 
believe now, help my weak belief. 

Next mornino: we set out for John Bear's in 
the same valley, to a candle light meeting, and 
when people were met they told me I would 
have to preach. I resisted, then consented, 
took up the Bible and endeavored to speak from 
these words, '' Awake thou that sleepest," &c. 
The Lord opened my way, and all went off 



32 LIFE OF JOHN FETTERHOFF. 

well. Next day we went to Fleck's father's for 
an evening meeting. The weather Avas cold 
and the snow was deep, but the gathering Avas 
large to see and to hear me. Some were En- 
glish, some were German. I was not able to 
address the English hearers, but D. F. could 
speak English some. I was to begin the exer- 
cises. I did so. I took this for my text, 
** Why think ye evil in j^our hearts." People 
were much affected. From there I went to 
Rocky Springs. He stayed a day, then came 
on. Snowdrifts had blocked up the ways 
very much in lanes and on hillsides. I strug- 
gled through to Samuel Ruber's . He question- 
ed me much about my feelings concerning 
preaching — how I felt when speaking, and how 
when I refused. I told him my experience. 
He then told that he heard some speak for me, 
and others against me ; and he bid me God- 
speed and go on. He told me too of a 
Quarterly meeting to be held near Greencastle, 
soon, and that he would be there, and from 
there go down below Harrisburg to Lancaster 
circuit, that he wanted me to meet him there 
and be with him. I told him I would like to 
go for one reason, but for another reason not. 
It would allow rae to see kinfolks I had never 
seen, but bring me among professors who had 



LIFE OF JOHN FETTP:RH()FF. .>/) 

iiothinof but a mere form of religion, and who 
did not like young converted preachers that had 
too much tire for them. Huber was bold, and 
insisted on my going until I promised to go 
along in the afternoon. D. F. came and we 
started and went to Chambersburor that evenino- 
and held meeting at candle light. He preached 
and I exhorted. We then held prayer meet- 
ing. A good meeting and my soul was happy. 
Next day, Sunday, we went to John Gesy- 
man's, in the neighborhood of my uncle's, to a 
11 o'clock appointment. My brother and 
brother-in-law lived within two miles, and my 
father called to see them. I had not seen them 
in tw^o months, and my sister seemed glad to 
see me again. My father seemed somewhat 
pleased ; but my brother and brother-in-law 
s6emed to care very little about me : they 
thought my traveling about was all nonsense, 
for their only care was to prosper in this world. 
May God grant them to see the need of relig- 
iousness on earth. I took leave of them, un- 
certain whether I should ever see them again. 
My leaving them thus seemed to affect my Ei- 
ther and sister much. I reached Gesyman's a 
little before meeting. I told Bro. Fleck not to 
require me to bear so heav}^ a cross as it would 
be to exhort before my youns: comrades. He 



vU LIFE OF JOHN FETTERHOFF. 

agreed not to do so, but while he preached I 
became full and happy ; and as all expected to 
hear me after him, all eyes were on me so that 
he was not heeded much. I closed by merely 
praying, but it had a manifest eifect on my 
comrades. After meeting I went home with 
uncle Overcash for whom my youngest sister 
kept house. She complained much of her tri- 
als and persecutions while I was gone. She 
was much aftected at my leaving, for a time she 
knew not how long it would be. My reflec- 
tions then were : If friends and kinfolks are so 
afiected by a temporal parting, how sad and 
sorrowing must it be when such are separated 
eternally ! In the evening I went to D. Fleck's 
evening appointment at uncle George Fetter- 
hoifs, and found a large congregation. He rose 
and preached, but without much impression. 
When he quit my comrades and classmates all 
looked at me expecting to see something. That 
made the lire begin to burn as it were in my very 
bones ! I rose, and by God's grace gave them 
truths of the gospel rough and smooth, which 
induced some to smile, some to stare as if 
alarmed, and some to rejoice. My uncle 
thought I should not speak quite so rough — 
that that rough way would aflfi-ont them. I 
said, ^' Did I not speak truth?" He said I did. 



I 



LIFE OF .lOHN lETTEKHOFF. 35 

•' Well," said I, '^ I shall keep to that as long 
as I live, not caring Avho are pleased or dis- 
pleased ;" and that ended our conversation. 
Our next place was Barnhard Rough's in the 
evening. Had a large gathering, but a dull 
time ! 1 knew no reason for it unless it was, 
an English preacher present preached, and so 
tediously that nearly all slumbered. I felt like 
saying, Lord have mercy on such men ! 
Next day Ave were at another evening appoint- 
ment. There old father Dayhof met us, and 
preached in Fleck's place. The Lord gave 
power to the word through the good Spirit. 
Fleck led us in a good class meeting. Xext 
day we three started together. We soon reach- 
ed a brother's house where we stopped, sung 
and prayed. While praying there I saw my 
un worthiness so that I cried out, " O Lord, 
what will yet become of me I and what wilt thou 
make of me ; I know not I" Then next was our 
evening appointment. On the way the old 
brother, rode to my side, looked me into the 
lace and said, " And you don't know what the 
Lord wants to make out of you." I said, 
'' That's so." He answered, '' Only be obedi- 
ent, and he will make you a useful child." 
That encouraged me much. About 3 in the 
afternoon we crossed big Antietam, swollen 



36 LIFE OF JOHN FETTERHOFF. 

high ])y rain. \Ve arrived about 4 o'clock, and 
had a useful meeting. Next day was a snow- 
storm, and Fleck's appointment was away far- 
ther off Tout of his range) than next day's 
appointment ; and being feeble he prevailed on 
me to go to the distant place. I started alone ; 
traveled all day in the snowstorm through the 
mountains. 1 arrived early in the evening. 
I found that they heard of me before that, and 
I found a large gathering at night. At dusk a 
preacher of our society came to meet me. He 
was a line man, and afforded me comfort in 
conversation. I urged him to preach. He 
hesitated, but finally did it ; preached a good 
sermon, and made good impressions. I ex- 
horted happily. O that I could always do it 
so ! Next day snow was deep, weather very 
cold, wind high, and snowdrifts hindersome in 
traveling; but we two went to meet B. F. 
We crossed South mountain and reached him 
so late that he had commenced ; and though 
ready to read his text, he stopped when he saw 
Bro. Flickinger, and got him to preach in his 
stead. Fleck exhorted, and I closed. Prayer- 
meeting was asked for. It was appointed ; it 
was large. T was put forward to begin it. 
The Lord aided and blessed me greatly. We 
had a blessed time. Manv were convicted, and 



LIFE OF JOHX FETTEKHOFF. 37 

some were brought to cry for mercy ! and I 
think they were heard. O for more faithfulness 
in the cause of saving sinners I Xext morning 
we all three started toward Maryland. Flick- 
inger soon left us to attend some appointments 
he had in another direction. He wanted me 
with him, but Fleck would not agree to my go- 
ing with him. So 1 went on with Fleck. We 
reached the appointment, and were kindly re- 
ceived. They seemed to have earthly and 
heavenly riches. He had a large group out. 
Fleck preached and I exhorted. I longed for 
spirit and zeal, for there w^as no noticeable 
move. 

March 7th, 1819. This day, early, a young 
Lutheran came to ask us to come and till their 
preacher's appointment in their church, at 11 
o'clock, in the absence of their preacher, who 
was called away to attend a funeral. We went ; 
met a large crowd. Fleck tried to preach, but 
being muzzled by fear of man, made poor head- 
way ! I closed by singing and praying. The 
moral ground here, has to be first grubbed up 
and broken up, before the seed of the word can 
grow and do well. Next came our evening 
service. Arrived about 4, met a pious family, 
and felt at home. Bro. F. requested me to 
preach, as he was ailing. I took up the cross 



oS LIFE OF JOHN FPITTERHOFF. 

and tried. Used Malachi 4:1,2, and the Lord 
aided beyond my hope. Brother Fleck closed, 
and all seemed riofht. 

March 8th we went to Valentine Doups, and 
had a good time. 

March 9th we crossed South mountain again, 
and held meeting at a Mr. Honver's. F. 
preached and I closed. 

March 10th. Crossed the hills to Middle- 
town valley and held service at Jacob Doub's 
with a large assembly at night. He preached, 
I followed, and F. led class. Several were 
made serious. 

March 11th. Went to Middletown ; arrived 
at noon ; called on Valentine Bowles (old and 
feeble) who was one of the old traveling 
preachers ; the man that preached at my uncle's 
when I was under conviction, and pointed so 
directly at me and told me my feelings, as 
mentioned on a preceding page. He was joy- 
ful when he saw me. We worshipped together, 
and then left him in the name of the Lord to 
await our return from his brother Jacob's next 
morning. In the morning he seemed still fee- 
bler. We worshipped with him again : his 
soul was full of glory. He then looked at me 
and said, «' Brother, when you see my brethren 
in the Lord, tell them that I said to you, * The 



I 



lifp: or john fetterhoff. 39 

night is almost gone, the day is dawning: 
many happy seasons I have had in the service 
of the Lord. But even that was only a faint 
and feeble feeling in comparison with what I 
now realize I' " This saying of his put new en- 
ergy into my faint heart to serve the Lord. 
We gave him a hearty farewell, and he gave a 
sincere God-speed, until we should meet at the 
right hand of God. In about four days after 
that, he left the world in the triumph of faith ! 

let me die the death of the righteous, and ni}' 
end be like his ! After this we went towards 
Boonsboro, to have meeting in a meeting 
house near a Mr. Clapper. Bro. F. asked me 
to lead. I declined to read the text ; so he did 
that, but did not feel the spirit of preaching and 
moved heavily. I sat in a corner of the pulpit. 

1 felt concerned for him. I began to pray to 
the Lord for help. By and by my soul felt 
God's presence and power, my body began to 
quake, my teeth to chatter, and such was my 
aft'ectedness that I hardly knew I was in the 
body ! After while I sprang to my feet and 
began to exhort. My shrill voice pierced and 
echoed through all ! Saints shouted, and sin- 
ners cried for mercy! I felt like saying, 
** Good Lord, had I thy real religion before 
this, or is this the beginning of a new life? 



40 IJFE OF .lOlIN FKTTEKHOFF. 

(} l^orcl cany on thy work, sanctify thy people ; 
O sanctify me wholly, and fit me for thy church 
and kingdom.*' 

March 13th. We started for watchnight at 
Geeting's. On the way Bro. F. reproved me for 
my manner the night before ; specially for my 
(/uaAing and loudness; even calling me a " shak- 
i'ng quaker.'' At Geeting's we fomid many of 
the old l)rethren. The meeting house was 
crowded. We entered ; brother Kumler open- 
ed the meeting ; there was a dull time ; singing, 
praying, preaching seemed ineifectual until 
about 12 o'clock. Then brother Kumler's 
brother-in-law rose to exhort, and he seemed 
to scatter fire that burnt a while. Then Bro. 
F. went to preaching English — a slow speaker 
in German and more so in English ; so the spir- 
it of the meeting sunk again. After a time 
they called me to the pulpit to exhort. I went, 
and in a few minutes I felt as I felt the evening 
))efore. Without any thing extra, we w^ound 
up the meeting near morning. 

March 14th. Brother Fleck's candlelight 
meeting near Boonsboro. He preached, Geet- 
ing exhorted, and I closed. The wicked held 
their ground against us ; they behaved like 
brutes if not like devils. 

March 15th. fleeting at old father New- 



LIFP: of JOHN FETTER H OFF. 41 

comer's in the evenini?. A o-ood meetino:. 
Mourners to be prayed for ; and I was blessed 
in my efforts to call them out. 

March 16th. Went to Haojerstown throuo:h 
much rich country. Lord fit us for that which 
is better than that. Arrived at 4, had few 
hearers, and but little grace. 

March 17th. Went to Kumler's over broken 
land and huge rocks. Well let us found our- 
selves on the firm rock Christ. Had only an 
ordinary meeting. 

March 18th. Had middling good evening 
meeting at Greencastle — preaching and class. 

March 19th. Meeting two miles from town 
in the evening, at Mr. S)iively's : an ordinary 
one. 

March 20th. Tarried a day. 21st returned 
to Kumler's to a Quarterly, to meet Bro. Hu- 
ber to go with him to old Lancaster circuit, ac- 
cording to promise. A great many preachers 
at the Quarterly, and it was a precious time. 
At the close Huber told me that another 
preacher was going with him, without telling 
me why he got him to go instead of me whom he 
had engaged ; and that was trying to me. I 
inquired the reason of the brethren. They 
said because those old people did not like a 
young preacher. Now as I had spoken ot that, 



42 LIFE OF JOHN FKTTEKHOFF. 

I could not readily think that was the cause ; 
and I thought he ought to have told me so 
when he came. I told the brethren I didn't 
know which way to go. They then told me to 
go to Virginia to brother William Brown's cir- 
cuit. I had no heart to undertake that. I got 
discouraged, and became tempted, and finally 
concluded to give up altogether, and not try t<) 
speak in public any more. They argued with 
me all that evening and next morning. I then 
started for Kumler's son-in-law's for "my horse, 
which was there, expecting to go home. 1 
was not there long before old father Newcomer 
came after me to persuade me to the same 
thing. And he hung to me so long that he 
nearly succeeded ; but I stuck it out— got my 
horse, mounted and went to Kumler's brother- 
in-law's, intending to stay there over nio-ht. 
In half an hour Kumler came after me, and*' by 
coaxing and exhorting he overcame me so far 
that I could not resist any longer, but yielded 
and went home with him that evening. But no 
tongue could tell my feelings. I cried, *' O 
Lord, hear and direct me." 

March 24th. I rose early to start, but 
breakfast was late. I could not get away till 
about 8 o'clock. Deep snow on deep mud 
made bad going ; but on I went, till I came to 



4i 



LIFE OF JOHX FETTERHOFF. 43 

the Potomac, about 9 o'clock. I had to wait 
for the feiTj boat till 10 o'clock. I fed at 
Martinsburg, and then proceeded. At sunset 
it got very cold ; but at dusk I reached the 
place I aimed at, about 41 miles from where I 
was in the morning. I sta^^ed, worshipped 
with them, was used well, and charged nothing. 
May the God of prosperity reward them. 

March 25th. I started early, had amazing 
bad riding ; ground frozen hard, 3^et not so as 
to make deep mud bear. I traveled 24 miles 
by way of Winchester, and got to the circuit 
about 2 o'clock. Asked for William Brown, 
and found hi»i gone from there 5 days — that he 
was then at the upper end of his circuit. I fed 
and dined, and started after him that very even- 
ing. Went beyond Millerstown, stayed with 
a brother that night, and got information of the 
place where Bro. Brown was likely to be. 

March 26th. Started early through the hills 
towards Stony creek, and at 11 o'clock reach- 
ed the place he had left in the morning. I 
was told he went across the mountains to the 
place called Devil's hole, a place encircled with 
mountains, except one gap, and that having 
water and brush enough to make it nearly im- 
passable ; and the place having only 12 families. 
Brown was to preach there at 12, and at Stony- 



44 LIFE OF FOHN FETTEIMIOFF 



creek at 1 2 next day ; and as it was the same 
distance to each, I did not follow him, but went 
right on to Stony creek that afternoon. 

March 27th. I ofot a Bible and beo^an ta 
read, but longed for his arrival ; for he was 
dear to me, dearer than a brother, for he wa& 
on our circuit when I o:ot reliHon. At about 
11 o'clock he came where I was, cast his eye 
on me, shook hands with all in the house, put 
away his saddle-bags, walked to and fro, and 
looked very perplexed. After eyeing me a 
while longer he walked up to me and said, 
'' Are you John Fetterhoft*?" I told him I was. 
He at once showed himself friendly and began 
to converse freely. Then he told me that he was 
so overjoyed at seeing me that he was led to 
doubt whether I was John Fetterhoff or not I 
By this time people had gathered, and we w^ent 
into the meeting house. My feelings were 
some in the brush, but he preached a feeling 
.sermon, and that brought my feelings out of 
the brush. I exhorted with glory in my soul ! 
We had a good meeting. Went to a brothers 
and remained over nio-ht togfether. 

March 28th. Brother Brown and I started 
for an appointment he had for 12 o'clock. We 
had an excellent iiieeting. Sinners were so 
stirred that they cried for mercy. Afternoon 






LIFE OF JOHX FpyiTEUnOFF. 4i) 

wc uttended a meeting beyond the mountains. 

March 29th. We had a mixed cono-rea'ation, 
German and English. He had me to speak in 
German, and he followed in English. It was 
in a cold, open house, and I felt much hedged 
in. I shivered and so did the people. He 
spoke with some power, and baptized some in- 
fants. 

March 30th. We went awa^' throuoli ji 
mountainous region, and had meeting at the 
house of a man called Sea. Had few people, 
but a good prayer meeting. 

March 31st. Went off among the hills to 
Doub's on Dry river. A pretty tine time at an 
evenino^ meetino-. 

1st of April, 1819. Went towards Rocking- 
ham, attended several appointments on the 
wa}', had good times, some sinners became 
converted. Left, and went towards Augusta 
county. Preached twice nearly every day. 
A fine and gracious time at almost every ap- 
pointment. Sinners converted nearh' every 
day. 

3rd. We crossed North river which was 
very high, and had a stony, dangerous ford. 
Reached our meetino- for evenino-. He ^rot me 
to preach and to lead the class, in all the ex- 
ercises of the evening : and we hoped we had 



46 LIFE OF JOHN fettp:khoff. 

(lone some good. 

4th. We had meeting in the Presbyterian 
ehurch house at 10 o'clock, and at a neighbor's 
at candlelight. Lord prosper thy work, and 
destroy sin. 

5th. Departed, and Avent round the upper 
end of Augusta county, and returned by Stouf- 
ertown the 11th of April. In this round we 
saw many sinners converted to God — as many 
as six at one meeting. In the last two days I 
have had some of the severest trials of my life. 
I felt as in a dungeon. I prayed the Lord to 
deliver me, but it seemed to have no effect. 
It got to this : Satan tempted me to believe that 
the Lord did not keep his word, for he promis- 
ed to deliver when called upon I Then again I 
thought I had not deserved anything better. 
When we came to another preaching place, he 
urged me to preach, when really I hardly knew 
what I did I I took the Bible and read in it. 
I came to these words : Stand ye in the way, 
and ask for the old paths, and walk therein. 
I concluded I would speak from these words, 
let the result be what it might happen to be. 
When the time came I rose, sung and prayed. 
I began to find light beaming into my soul. I 
read the text, and at once favor seemed to fly 
into me through the very cracks of the house. 



LIFE OF .JOHN FETTKKHOFF. 47 

Saints began to shout and sinners to cry for 
mercy, and my soul Avas all aglow in glorifying 
God for the wonder he had wrought, by ban- 
ishing my darkness and my doubt. O that 
God would give me grace to stand more lirm 
hereafter, and not disparage his blessed cause 
in the world. 

13th. We started for Annual conference 
to be held at Valentine Doub's, in Frederic 
county, Maryland, within 2 miles of Frederic- 
town. It was to commence May 4th ; and as 
it was yet quite a while to conference time, we 
w^ent along gradually, preaching in Hagerstown, 
and several other places. William Brown's 
brother, who was younger, only about nineteen, 
w^ho had traveled with him, was with us as we 
went. 

loth. Went towards Greencastle to Jacob 
AVinger's. On the way old ftither Newcomer 
rode to my side and asked w^hether I would not 
travel on a circuit that year. 1 told him I 
didn't know what to do ; anyhow I did not real- 
ly want to go to conference. But he and Will- 
iam Brown beset i^^e and never quit till I 
promised to go. About 11 o'clock we got to 
Jacob Winger's, wdiere I found my sister Ke- 
becca. It was a blessedness to her to see me 
again. She told me her way was now more 



48 LIFE OF JOHN FETTERHOFF. 



1 



open religiously. That same evening we had 
meeting in Greencastle. 

IGth. Will and John Brown started for Sher- 
man's valley to their father's. They asked me 
to go with them, and I went. Got to Rocky 
Springs that day, and had a good meeting in 
the evening. 

17th. Got to their father's' and had meeting 
next day, Smiday, both forenoon and afternoon. 
I stayed a few days and hel[)ed to sow plaster 
and pick stones. 

24th. I went to Path valley to David Bair's, 
and William Brown went round by Carlisle, 
we having agreed to meet at Rocky Springs the 
28th of April, then to go to conference. 

25th. Sunday. I endeavored to preach at 
D. Bair's, on the last words of Hosea. Had a 
good time. William Brown and myself met 
according to our arrangement, and held meet- 
ing together on the 28th. Then left next day, 
preached at Newcomer's the 2nd day of May, 
and had a warm time. 

May 3rd. Father Newcomer, Jacob Win- 
ger, W. Brown and myself, at! started togeth- 
-er for conference. Arrived about 5 o'clock in 
the evening. Next day the session began. 
All v/as harmony and peace, love and union 
during the whole session. I felt happy in some 



LIFK OF JOHN FETTKRHOFF. 49 

sense, but felt unworthy among such good 
brethren in the Lord in conference business. 

6th. I was called forward to give them my 
experience. I felt as if I was a mere nothing 
among them. I gave them some of my feel- 
ings, but it was with bitter tears and many 
fears. I ended by saying I resigned myself in- 
to their hands and care, and into the hands of 
our common Lord and Saviour ; and they might 
do with me whatever they thought proper. 
And if they wanted me to speak for the Lord, 
they might give me liberty to do so without a 
written permit ; but if they feared 1 might in- 
jure the good cause they might send me home. 
I farther added that 1 would rather maul rails, 
than disgrace the ministry, and yet would rath- 
er die than live with my present feelings and 
not preach. I withdrew for a while. They 
called me in again and told me they would re- 
ceive me as an exhorter. On Friday they 
appointed to the traveling preachers their sev- 
eral places for the next conference year. An- 
drew Zellers, bishop, from Ohio, was there, 
and he asked for me and Johny Russel to go 
with him to Ohio to travel there. We were 
asked about going, we consented, and were 
appointed to go with him. 

10th. In the evening 1 got to Wing- 



50 lAVK OF JOHN FETTETMiOFF. 

er*s, where my sister lived. She soon inquired 
where I was appointed to travel that year : and 
I told her in Ohio. She wept at that, and 
asked me not to go so far away and leave her. 
I told her as I had given myself into the hands 
of the Lord and the brethren, I must now for- 
sake all for the sake of the Master and his 
cause. 

11th. 1 went to see my father once 
more. He was in a field. I went to him and 
told him I had come to give them a final fare- 
well, for this world ; that I didn't expect to see 
him again on earth; that I was going to the 
state of Ohio ; that my determination was to 
serve the Lord and to work out my soul's sal- 
vation, and if he did not seek to be at peace 
Avith God I did not expect to see and meet him 
at God's right hand in heaven ! Tears began 
to flow from his aged eyes ; but he turned his 
face towards the team and started on ! I told 
him to stop and give me his hand. He did so, 
l)ut turned his face another way ! I then went 
to m}^ brother-in-law's. When I told them 
Avhy I had come, my sister soon wept and 
wanted me not to go. I answered I w^as ne- 
cessitated to, go. L proposed prayer; and as 
I prayed the Spirit of God affected our hearts, 
and we had a tender time. I crave farew^ell. 



LIFE OF JOHN FETTEiaiOFF. 51 

and returned to Winger's again. That evening 
bishops Xewcomer and Zellers, and brother 
Russel came there. Our horses were turned 
into pasture, and in the morning mine was 
musing. When my sister heard it, she was 
fflad, for she thought that would keep me from 
going. I followed my beast by track and 
found it in a field a few miles off. I returned 
with it, and found that my sister had wanted 
the others to start before I could return and gfo 
along ! At 8 o'clock we started ; and in a few 
days reached Somerset, Pa., where we tar- 
ried a few days. Here a certain John Brown 
overtook us (who had been in Sherman's valley 
visiting his mother and brother) living in Ohio 
near Steubenville. Bro. Russel and I left the 
old brethren and Avent with that man into that 
neighborhood, atid stayed till the old brethren 
came after us. We had several meetings in 
the neighborhood. The Lord owned our ef- 
forts and blessed them. I was asked to speak 
in English, but I feared to undertake it. 
When they insisted on it, I promised to try. 
Bro. Russel opened by singing and praying in 
German, and I followed in imperfect English. 
God owned my effort, and it resulted in some 
conversions. 

26th. The old brethren had come on, 



62 lAVK OF JOHN FKTTKRHOFF. 

and we traveled through New Philadelphia that 
day, onwards, and over a long plain or shrubby 
region, at the edge of which we crossed a river, 
live miles beyond which we stopped over 
nio^ht with one of the brethren. Next mornino; 
we went on about three miles to where there 
was a camp meeting appointed, and where the 
people were iixing tents. That night the wor- 
ship and service began, and the Lord immedi- 
ately operated on the hearts of the people so 
that sinners cried and saints shouted as had 
never been heard there afore ! There were 
mourners, and but few to labor with them. 
As old Newcomer and I were singers, much of 
the needed work fell on us to do at that time. 
At length the old brother gave out ; and on 
Sunday night he went to a house and to bed. 
I labored on with the mourners until near 
morning, when it got quite cool, and I got so 
weary that I looked for a place in a tent to lie 
and rest, and not finding any, I went and laid 
down behind the preachers' stand with my 
great coat w rapped round me ! Before I awoke 
next morning father Newcomer came to me and 
asked whether I was alive ; for, said he, last 
night in my bed I heard you singing and pray- 
ing till I feared you would weary yourself to 
death ! and that may be 1 ought to rise again 



lAFK OF JOHN FETTERHOIT. 53 

and help you. Camp meeting closed on Mon- 
day, and on Tuesday the Muskingum conference 
commenced, where we had an agreeable and 
glorious time among the brethren of that con- 
ference — the Lord with us. 

June 2nd, 181 i). We started for Coshocton 
to stay over night. Finding ere evening that 
we were likely to be late and have the Tusca- 
rawas to cross in the night, I hastened on faster 
and father Newcomer followed. We reached 
the river at dusk, but feared to venture into it, 
as it looked raging. We called, for on the 
side we were on nobody lived. A negro came 
running up on the other side, whom we asked 
if we could ford the river. He said, ** Yes, if 
acquainted with the ford." Father Newcomer 
asked me to venture in if not afraid. Not 
timid in water I went in. It did not swim me, 
but very nearly. The others folio w^ed ; and, 
though Russel was nearly swept down, all got 
safely over and stayed all night. Next day we 
started for New Lancaster. We reached it in 
a few days. Had several meetings in the 
neighborhood. The Miami conference was to 
commence on the 15th of June, at Frederick 
Pon tin's, within nine miles of Chilicothe ; and 
two miles from Annual conference there was to 
be a Quarterly meeting the previous Saturday, 



54 I.IFK OF JOHN FKTTKllHOFF. 

Sunday and Monday. We started for said 
Quarterly ; got there in good time, and a large 
gathering, and many brethren, some of them 
such as I had known in the old settlements. 
We had a good time and many conversions. 
On Tuesday we w^ent to conference — a very 
peaceful one. On Friday, the 18th, those who 
intended to travel that year,, were requested to 
make themselves known. John McGary, John 
McXamer, Abraham Shindeldecker, Nathaniel 
Havens, Jacob Antrim, John Russel and myself 
oflered to travel that year. Shindeldecker and 
McGary were appointed to Miami circuit ; Rus- 
sel and Havens to Xew Lancaster ; Jacob .\n- 
trim and myself to Twincreek. On Saturday 
we started for our work, and got to Zellers' on 
Monday, the 21st, after leaving Greencastle, 
Pa., six Aveeks before. In those weeks I was 
sometimes hopeful, and sometimes not ; feeling 
often as if my climbing of hills and mountains, 
and crossing risky rivers, might all be vain. 
In the regions I traveled there is a great variety 
of land, good and bad, w^oods and prairies. 
Between the Miami river, and some few other 
places, there is some of the finest and richest 
land in America. But the possessors don't 
seem to know that there is a * ' better country " 
than anv on earth — are without the religion of 



liff: of JOHN FETrFinioFF. 5o 

Christ, and likely to perish. 

22nd. On going romid to put out our ap- 
pointments, we had some good times, and some 
discouragements. I found a medley of people, 
some not understandino: Enoflish, and some not 
understanding German ; and I could not speak 
English well enough worth naming. We got 
round again to Zellers' on Saturday. Newcom- 
er preached in a school-house on Sunday at 11 
o'clock. At 4 Bro. Antrim preached at Zel- 
lers' and 1 at 3 a])0ut three miles otf. In the 
evening we had prayer meeting at Zellers'. 
Father X. went to prayer for me or in my be- 
half that God would be with me and raise my 
head above the waves of temptation, which put 
life through me. O, thought I, if I only had 
enough to quell all opposition ! Xext morning- 
he started for Pennsylvania, and I felt as if I 
was losing a father ; for I knew not that I 
should ever see him again. But my prayer was. 
Lord bring us to meet in heaven where sin shall 
cease, and we be parted no more. We now 
started to make our preaching round. Went 
together, not in succession, the hrst time. First 
appointment was at Mason's on Bearcreek. 
Antrim spoke in English, I in German, from 
Col. 3:1," If ye be risen," &c. 

23rd. Preached at Ilershberger's at night : 



M^ Uh'K OF JOHN F^n'TERlTOFF. 

no move. 

24th. Held a meeting at 12 at B , where 

people were proud and hardened. In the 
evenino: went to Eaton and held meetinor jn the 
court house where Bro. McVay met us, and 
preached a very feeling sermon that reached 
saints and sinners. 

25th. Held meeting at Bonebrakes. Found 
a large society, and also that " not all are 
Israelites who are of Israel," as was the case of 
old. 

2()th. Meeting at father Kon's and at his 
son's. In the afternoon Antrim spoke in Eng- 
lish, r in German. Germans were numerous 
and seldom heard any preaching that they 
understood, so my preaching took hold on them 
so that they were greatly effected ; and even 
the English felt divine power. Ere I quit I 
spoke English some, as my second effort. 

27th. Two meetings : one at Shafer's, and 
one at Kislers. Here we saw no prospect of 
doing any good ! 

28th. Went to Miller's settlement. Had 
evening meeting. I spoke on John 14: 6. 
Thence we went down White water, to Henry 
Fry's, 5 miles from Brookville. Had meeting 
there on vSunday. A large gathering and very 
attentive hearers. Fi'om here we went through 



LIFK OF JOHN KKTTKKHOFK. 57 

Oxford and preached at a certain Markel's, 
near Fourmile, where people were chiefly 
Calvinists, hard and haughty. The Lord 
soften them. 

29th. Went to Sevenmile where were ac- 
quaintances, namely, Bro. Flickinger, Bro. 
Brand and Bro. Collins ; and I also heard of one 
named Henry Walter who had left Pennsylvania 
when I was a boy, and whom I might have 
found to be a cousin to me, if I had had time to 
hunt him up. 

30th. Next day we went to Bro. Kumler's, 
where a good many turned out to preaching. 
Antrim preached in English, but some went 
outside of the house, near the window to which 
his back was turned, and talked so loud that it 
confused him, so that he quit. I spoke some 
in German and then closed the service. 

July 1st. We next went to Jacob Kemp's 
for meeting at noon. People all English but 
the family. Many professors, few possessors ! 

2nd. We went to Bro. Ream's, where 
people were German. Antrim said I must 
speak first. I opened my Bible, fell upon the 
words of Psalm 92 : 12, '* The righteous shall 
flourish," &c,. I rose to speak, and the Lord 
blessed me greatly, and not me only but my 
hearers also. T had been gloomv, but the Lord 



58 LIFE OF JOHN FETTP:RH0FF. 

lighted ine up so that 1 felt like persevering in 
efforts to save souls from sin. 

3rd. Preached at Swesher's next day at 12, 
and at uncle's in the evening. I felt at secret 
prayer as if I had little to do in that place. I 
inquired about the people, found they were 
English. So Antrim preached, and got the 
meeting closed by a man Avho preached at times 
only, like those who feel a call simply for Sun- 
day, and feel free from it when Sunday is past. 
At 4 we had an appointment to fill at Zellers'. 
I preached on the words, " Let us labor there- 
fore to enter into that rest.'' Meeting was 
useful and showed a prospect for future good 
among the people there. We were now at 
father Zellers'. In a few days Antrim was to 
start on the second round. I w^as to wait a few 
days longer and then follow him . Being accus- 
tomed to work I went to help make hay in the 
neighborhood that week. On Sunday Bro. 
Flickinger preached in the school-house near 
Germantown. Young Henry Kumler exhorted 
after him, and I closed. The Lord blessed the 
professors. Afternoon Kumler and I had pray- 
er meeting 3 miles from Zellers', and a melting 
time. Monday 1 went home with H. Kumler 
and helped him make hay and thrash rye. On 
Thursday I pried into the history of the Henry 



4 



LIFE OF ,K)H\ FKTTKKllOFF. 59 

Walter I named before, and found he was my 
cousin, as I supposed. He made me welcome 
in his house and conversed freely with me and 
I with him. In our intercourse I soon found 
that he knew nothing about the life and power 
of religion. I prayed for him and gave him 
farewell, and then returned to Zellers'. On 
Saturday I went to a ^Methodist camp meeting, 
but found very little satisfaction, from a want 
of victuals and provender, stable and lodging. 
I left early next day to see the Shakers living- 
near. I heard them talk and ridicule other 
people, but did not stay to see them dance. 
Sunday night and ^Monday I was at Zellers' 
agrain. On Tuesdav I started on the circuit. 
I preached at Bro. ^lason's on these words, 
" The Master is come, and calleth for thee.*' 
A small number, but good feelings. On 
Wednesday I spoke on Psa. 46 ; 8, 9, at Hersh- 
ber<?er's, to a laro^e cono^reo^ation. Was some 
under the weather. 

August 5th. Preached at Budy's fork to a 
few people who seemed indiflerent. Expect 
little good there. 

6th. Went to Bonebrakes. Next day was 
to be Quarterly meeting. Preachers gathered 
in from other quarters. Dull during the day, 
but in the evening lively, for there were souls 



60 



LIFE OF JOHN FETTERHOFF 



born again. On Sunday rain divided the con- 
gregation into two parts, (house and barn,) and 
the preaching. 

9th. Young Henry Bonebrake asked leave 
to go along round the circuit. I didn't like to 
deny, and didn't like to allow it for fear of re- 
proach, as Ave were quite young. I told him if 
he would in the fear of God agree to close my 
meetings by exhortation and prayer, he might 
meet me the next day at 12 o'clock at Shafer s. 
And sure enough there he was the said next 
day. I told him to close the meeting, but he 
failed, for his hand trembled so that he could 
not read a hymn. I took the book and sung, 
and told him to pray. He did so, but it was 
with great tremor. How surprisingly fear can 
deprive of strength I We went on together 
and had some real good meetings in the course 
of our round, particularly in the Miller settle- 
ment, where many came forward for prayer. I 
had an appointment among the Methodists at 
12 o'clock. I had a boil in the face. That, and 
the great heat of the weather, made my head 
ache so wonderfully that I nearly fainted. Be- 
fore preaching 1 retired to the woods and pray- 
ed God that if he wanted me to be his public 
servant he should manifest it in some plain way 
that day. T returned into the house, spoke on 



LIFE OP^ JOHN FETTKRHOFF. 61 

Rev. 3 : 20 ; and in about ten minuten my pain 
all left me, I felt freeness, believers began to 
shout and run and rejoice together, and my boil 
also got well at once ! and what is worth tell- 
ing, I had no other boil since ! Remember the 

* ' good physician . " Next was Flickinger's 

a very fine time there. Next was father Kum- 
ler's, where I had the Load's presence in a very 
unusual degree, such as exceeded all my ex- 
pectation. Then Bro. Bonebrake left me and 
went to his sister's. Henry Kumler went with 
me to J. Kemp's. He preached there in my 
stead. When he had spoken ten or fifteen min- 
utes, a young woman sitting before him got the 
'< jerks," and jerked so awfully as to tumble 
about on the floor ! As Bro. K. and I had nev- 
er seen the like of that it confused and con- 
founded us to such a degree that we knew 
neither what to say or what to do. When the 
jerks ceased, Bro. K. got a little. composed 
again, and began to preach. But very soon the 
jerkif began again. However, this time he 
kept calm enough to continue preaching till he 
got through his subject. I have often been 
asked what I thought about the ''jerks;'' 
whether they w^ere results of the power of a 
good spirit. I have always had to say that I 
could not tell — that I had known them to come 



02 LIFE OF JOHN FKTTKKHOFF. 

upon wicked ones, and hypocrites, as well as 
upon moral people and Christians. And that- 
when they were on people, some cursed, some 
prayed, some praised, and some w^ere silent ! 
On Thursday following camp meeting commenc- 
ed. I went, hut the wicked were very trouble- 
some. They acted more turhulent than brutes 
of different kinds all herded together. But in . 
spite of them there were wonders done, for 
there were sinners converted, about 80, and 
among them my cousin Henry Walter and his 
companion and daughter. Some of the wicked 
threatened to kill or whip me the first chance 
they got. I regarded it little or none at all, 
for I knew that I had the Strong One for my 
deliverer. The next Thursday camp meeting 
broke up, and I went to Zellers' apd held meet- 
ino: there in the evenins^. One of those that 
threatened me was there. I went to him and 
gave him my hand ; he took it, but hung down 
his head like one that felt ashamed ! I had 
several appointments in these parts. On Sat- 
urday I w^ent to Henry Fry's and met old 
McGary. We had meeting together, and were 
much blessed. Sunday I returned to German- 
town, Ohio, and met D. Troyer and heard him 
on these words, "He that is not with me 
is against me." I followed him and closed 



LIFE OF JOflN FETTERHOFF. (53 

the meeting. I tarried till Thursday. Then 
fathers Kumler and Zellers and myself went to 
camp meeting on Beaver. There were few out 
at first ; they put me up to preach, and McNa- 
mer to exhort and close. We had the Lord's 
presence among us Friday and Saturday. 
On Sunday some of the brethren wanted to put 
me up again because I was a stranger. The 
elder came to me, Bible in hand, to have me 
preach in the evening. I declined ; but he in- 
sisted. I then told him it was folly to put up 
the young preachers when there were many 
hearers, and the old ones when there were few. 
He threw the Bible into my lap, said. You'll 
preach, and walked away ! I opened the Bible, 
began to read and to pray atid to weep I I 
found the words of Isaiah 22 : 8, 9 impressed 
on my mind and no others. I concluded to 
take those for a text. When evening came I 
went into the stand, and the Lord gave me such 
a feeling as I never had before. I seemed both 
deaf and blind to every thing ; but the words 
that I was to speak seemed to be laid before 
my eyes ! When I was partly through my 
text, one of the old brethren jumped up and 
threw his arms around my neck. I seemed 
like an absent-minded man coming to himself. 
I heard a great noise around me ; some wore 



64 LIFE OF JOHN FETTERHOFF. 

crying for mercy, some prayed, some praised, 
some shouted ; and there were very few who 
were not in some exercise at that time. Camp 
meeting broke, and I started to my circuit. 
Afore I got far away there came on me such a 
tremendous storm of lightning, thunder and 
rain as I had not seen ! But I had not been 
more cahn at camp meeting than I was right 
then in the storm. It made me think of that 
great last day when all the pilgrims of earth 
shall be gathered home midst the wreck of na- 
ture and the crash of the world ! And what a 
happy day that will be to the saints of God ! 
In this round I had some light and some dark- 
ness. Sometimes the devil, flesh and blood 
made me doubt whether I was sent to preach or 
not, and tempted me to go home. But by 
grace I overcame. When I got round I had 
meeting at Arnot's near Zellers'. There the 
wicked induced me to say they were fitter to be 
among hogs than among decent people, for then 
they would be among their ecmals. That aoo-^a- 
vated them so as to say that when I came again 
they would thrash me ! I cared but little ; but 
when I went round, many came to see the con- 
flict between me and the mob ! I rose and 
exhorted ; some of the professors rejoiced ; I 
started singing : the Lord was among the peo- 



LIFK OF JOHN FKTTERHOFF. 65 

pie ; and there were four added to the society. 
Nobody disturbed me or the meeting ! See 
how Satan and sinners cowered ! Nearly 50 
were converted in the course of my round. 
The time now approached when Antrim and 
Russel were to be exchanged. But there were 
so many Germans on New Lancaster circuit 
that they made known by letter that Antrim 
would be unsuitable, because he could not 
preach German well. So it was concluded I 
should go in Antrim's place. I had not heard 
of this till I came to White water, when I had 
a watch night appointment. Father Kumler, 
father Fry, and Bro. Collins met me there, and 
brought me the news. I was sorry to leave 
my friends there, but glad to go where there 
was not so much more English needed than I 
had. Our meeting began Saturday eve and 
held on till 2 at night. We had much joy, but 
no conversions. We had service Sunday morn- 
ing and evening. 1 preached in the morning ; 
Bro. Collins at night. I exhorted with such 
burden of soul for sinners as to fall on my 
knees several times. The Lord worked con- 
viction till the slain of the Lord lay all around 
me ! 6 or 8 were converted. A glorious time ! 
The Lord give us more. Monday we started 
for Markly's for evening service. Kumler 



6Q LIFE OF JOHN FETTERHOFF. 

preached, Collins exhorted, and 1 closed. 
From there I went home with Bro. Kumler, 
held meeting, and visited aromid the neighbor- 
hood. Sunday following I went over to Hen- 
ry Fr^^'s and attended watch meeting 3 miles 
from there, at Christian XuU's, who had a re- 
markably fine family. We felt power, some 
were blessed, some prostrated. As I expected 
to tarry some days I Avas constrained to have 
meeting at Fry's on Monday eve. I rose and 
exhorted, and the Lord worked on the people 
so that some fell and cried for mercy. I knelt 
and prayed a while along with about fen who 
had fiiUen down. In such exercises the even- 
ing passed without any preaching, till about 
12 o'clock. When the great gush sunk. Fry 
told me to give them farewell. I did so, and 
when done with that there was as much excite- 
ment as before ; and 10 became converted ! 
Next day I started early ; traveled till in the 
night, 45 miles ; came to a tavern, and passed 
by it some distance, when certain impressions 
induced me to turn back and put up. When 
I entered the house I found my comrade, John 
Eussel, to my surprise. And to the surprise 
of the people present, he sprang up, when he 
saw me, and threw his arms around me and 
praised the Lord for our luck}^ meeting. We 



T.TFE OF JOHN FETTEPiHOFF. 67 

enjo^'ed the night and each other's company 
greatly ! In the morning we parted, I for Lan- 
caster and he for ^Vliami. Next evening I 
crossed Scioto river, and remained all night 
with a Methodist called Muselman. 

Dec. 2r)th, 1819. A snowy day. Reached 
my circuit a])out 4 o'clock. People seemed 
glad to see me, though a day before my ap- 
pointment. An Albright was to preach about 
2 miles from there. So I and the old man 
went there. The man seemed to be zealous in 
the good cause. He gave me liberty to speak, 
which I did and closed. Bro. Pontius and 1 
returned. My eyes were some inflamed from 
the wind and snow that I had faced during the 
day. 

28th. Spent the day in reading and in 
writing. Not many out in the evening, on ac- 
count of the sn0w^ 

30th. Remained where I was. Busy med- 
itating. 

Jan. 1st, 1820. Went to Salt creek to Jacob 
Luts' and had meeting wdth a prejudiced, un- 
yielding people. Then over the hills to meeting 
at Melisy's. Thus far on the circuit I have had 
small encouragement to persevere. I know not 
whether the fault is in me or in the people. 

2nd. Candle-light meeting at McColms' : a 



f)8 LIFE OF JOHN FETTERHOFF. 

good time. His son had lately married ; the 
two were both wicked ; she became much ef- 
fected, so much that she ran out, and he after 
her to see what was the matter. He soon came 
for his mother to help carry her to bed. I 
hoped she would get religion, but she and they 
together suppressed the Spirit of God. 

ord. AYent to J. Zeller's for meeting in the 
evening. Had many hearers, and the Lord 
aided me much. Praise to his name for his 
gracious help. The parts J traveled since I 
left Adelti is more mountainous than any seen 
since I left Pennsylvania ; nor is it otherwise 
down to Ohio along the Hockhocken ; luit there 
j»re not many rocks. 

ttli. Had meeting near Drush creek. Few 
liearers, and they indifferent aboutjtheir .souls, 
(rod pity them. 

.■)th. Was at George Swartz's, 2 niile.s from 
Gandur's where I had a lar^e cono^reoation and 

o or? 

attentive to the Word. I was happy in preach- 
ing and in prayer. 

()th. Had meeting at George Hottler's, *tl 
miles ofl'; then again at Lyb's, 7 miles north on 
Hush creek. My prospect clouded, and I went 
out alone and covenanted with the Lord to 
bless my soul, and to give me a text. Then 
these words came to my mind : ^' There be 



LIFE OF .JOHN FEITEUHOFF. G9 

three things which Mre too wondcrlul for me» 
yea, four which 1 know not," &c. There 
was a large congregation and good attention to 
the Word spoken. 

8th. Meeting at Jacob Hoiid's : a large 
gathering of United Brethren, Methodists and 
Catholics. The good Lord gave light and ut- 
terance, and what was hesf^ quite a shaking 
among the dry bones. 

9th. I had meetinof at Georo^e Couro^en's, (J 
miles east, at 10. Met few people ; very igno- 
rant ; mostly Catholics. 

10th. Meeting at Lydy's, 6 miles west, at 
night. 

11th. Met a hirge meeting in Kushville. 
Had much freedom, and many seemed to be 
much refreshed. Here lived a man who want- 
ed his son to be a preacher, whether the Lord 
wanted him or not, and so wanted me to take 
him along with me. I refused to take him, for 
far too many run before they are sent. But 
when I started he made ready and took after 
me : but in a few weeks I sent him home ! 

12th. Had meeting at Fox's. Nearly all 
professors here. They were damped by m^' 
coming. They expected Antrim. As he did 
not come, they were chop-fallen, not thinking 
I could supply his place. I perceived there 



70 LIFE OP" JOHN FETJ'ERHOFF. 

was something wrong, and wanted Alaclen, a 
local preacher present, to preach ; but he would 
not. I preached, using this Scripture, " Bodily 
exercise profiteth little," &c., and gave a few 
words of comment, and sat down. Maclen 
then exhorted out the text. Then he and oth- 
ers gave out the idea that I could not preach, 
and was no more called than a horse. In the 
evening I had a refreshing meeting ^^ miles 
south. 

13th. Went to Harman's, the future father- 
in-law of Bro. Russel, on pleasant run, at 12 
o'clock. Maclen came to hear me again. A 
crowd came to hear the man that it was said 
could not preach. I spoke on Zach. 13 : 7-9. 
Such was the success and effect, that some wept, 
some rejoiced aloud, and my depredator, jNIac- 
len, seemed ashamed ! 

14th. Night meeting at Boogh's 2 miles north 
of Plarman's, where such a crowd came to hear 
the man that was said was not called to preach, 
that the house could not hold near all the people. 
Maclen came again and seated himself by me. 
I took Job 23 : 24. The Lord owned the word 
so as to effect the people. Some cried for 
mercy, some shouted, and poor, overpowered 
Maclen pitched under the table face foremost I 
The meeting continued unbroken several weeks. 



LIFE OF JO[{]S FETTER HOFF. 71 

The work of the Lord spread among the 
churches around and resulted in the conversion 
of a great many sinners, and the edification of 
many believei-s. 

15th. Held meeting with well behaved peo- 
ple, and W'here there were backsliders who lost 
their first love, and who w^ere reclaimed. 

16th. Eight miles north to Wagoner's. 
Met Bro. Joseph Huffman. He took my place 
— preached on the parable of the vineyard let 
out to husbandmen. Show^ed the call and duty 
of preachers very clearly. O for more such as 
he is I In the evening he w^as Avith me on Big- 
walnut, at Shester's. A stormy night, but 
many out. We both spoke using the Scripture, 
" Better is a poor and wise child, than an old 
and foolish king." With the divine presence, 
as we had it that evening, it would always 
be well with us. 

17th. Traveled through Beech woods, in 
snow, 6 miles north. Meeting at night at 
Abram Bright's. Met old father Benadom, one 
of our best preachers. He aided me. Would 
to God I never found myself in any company 
less graceful and useful. 

18th. Bro. Briojht guided me to where I 
expected an appointment ; but the people w^ere 
too dull and lifeless to w^ant any preaching at 



72 LIFE or JOHN FETTKHHOrF. 

Hill 

19th. VVid(>\v' Kramer's 8 miles west, where 
I had nearly all professors, and such real ones 
as always make a good meeting. In the even- 
ing her son, a |)reacher among us, went with 
me to an Albright watch night meeting, where 
the wicked had the ascendency, and made a dull 
time. 

20th. Went 2 miles south to Bro. Bene- 
dom's. Mad n glorious time ! Evening, 4 
miles farther to Growl's. Bro. Benedom along. 
Met two iiilgrinis — lather and mother Growl. 
They are bidding fair for heaven. The Lord 
is wonderfully at work in the neighborhood. 
Several got religion this evening. May it 
abide so evermore. 

21st. Went to Hoflman's. Preached. There 
is poor prospect of doing good there, for they 
are nearly all backsliders. 

22nd. Meeting at Hager s, on Little walnut. 
Few out ; but a very serious time in class 
meeting. 

23rd. 1 had meeting at Pontius'. At 
night a good meeting at George Dresbach's. 

24th. jMeetino: at Zarinof's. Was some- 
what comforted, but needed more zeal in us. 

25th. Went 12 miles south-Avest. Found 
no appointment, for they wanted no preaching 



LIFE OF JOHN FKTTKHHOFF. to 

there ! 

26th. Had an appointment at Zoog's. noth- 
ing special. 

27th. I had a meeting at Fierbaugh's, 12 
miles south. Here I met such a multitude that 
they crowded the room thoroughly and me, 
so that I could not well turn or move my body 
where I was ; and could not even tind foot-room 
to stand comfortably ! The people were, gen- 
erally speaking, irreligious, Init were well 
behaved. Bro. Fierbaugh was a solid, sedate 
religionist at that time, although he had once 
indulged extravagant vac/aries. Many years 
before, at a distance in another country, he and 
some other simple-hearted but sincere relig- 
ionists , fell into wild ideas of piety, and pre- 
sumtive errors on the wonder-workings of God 
in olden times. They imagined that their faith 
in the God of Israel would induce him to work 
wonders for them when it was desired in mod- 
ern times, as well as when it w^as required in 
ancient times ! In this delusion they imagined 
they would be preserved in exposures to fire 
and Avater ! The}' carried this to the extent of 
casting themselves into (or perhaps ?7J to) con- 
suming fire ! And in such deranging enthusi- 
asm this Bro. F. obtained shocking iiremarks 
on him that showed themselves when I preach- 



74 lifp: of .toitn FF:TTEiniOF]\ 

ed in his house, at the time here given, long- 
after all their errors Avere outlived and they 
were all dispersed. 

28th. I had meeting at Miller's, the place of 
beginning the 2nd round on the circuit. This 
was a 4 weeks' circuit. Had about thirty-sev- 
en appointments, and I attended them almost 
uninterrupted the whole of the last half of the 
year. (The first half having been put in by 
Bro. Russel.) I had changing feelings; had 
some hardships and some sore trials, but the 
Lord was always with me, and so greatly 
blessed me that there were many souls made 
happy, of them that were Christians before I 
went there, and many became converted to God 
and made happy, of them that were open sin-, 
ners when I went there. About the last of 
May I went to Bro. Huflman's and helped him 
work, (cover his barn, &c., so that hay could 
be put into it,) so that he could go to confer- 
ence with me, which was to be at father Kum- 
ler's, June 21, 1820. 

June 8th. I and Bro. Hollnian started 
together for conference. 

11th. Got to Fry's, and I preached. 

12th, 13th, 14th, 15th, visited where I had 
traveled, in the neighborhood of Fry's, near 
Fairfield, and preached to them : there was a 



LIFE OF JOHN FKTTERHOFF. 75 

good time. 

16th. Attended a bio- meetino- near Flick- 
inger's, where many of the preachers met on 
their way to conference. This was on a Satur- 
day. We had a profitable meeting. 

20th. Went to father Kumler's where con- 
ference was to be next day. 

•21st. First day of the session. There was 
a full attendance. There was nothing special 
besides common business. All passed off very 
harmoniously. At this conference I was pre- 
vailed on to accept preaching license instead of 
the exhorting license under which I had acted 
up to this time, and with which I w^as satisfied. 
The preachers west of the dividingridge between 
Scioto and Miami rivers, Avho made the Miami 
conference then and stationed them, were as 
follows : McGary, on Twin creek ; McNamer 
and Stubbs, on White water ; Spicer and my- 
self, on Miami; Jacob Doub, on Indiana (in- 
cluding all south of ^Madison) ; Antrim and 
Cramer on Lancaster. 

1820. This year Bro. Spicer and I had a 
hard work to attend. Had 23 appointments, 
and had about 300 miles around ! It extended 
through not less than 10 counties. Bro. Spicer, 
having a family, was required to be at home to 
provide for them. For then none of our cir- 



76 LIFE OF JOJiN FKTTEKHOFF. 

cults could support a preacher and his family 
too. I, being single, could and did remain on 
the work and did hunt up new preaching places, 
so that at the end of the year there were 52 ap- 
pointments, and it was 470 miles around the 
circuit, and I made the round every 4 wrecks. 
Bro. Spicer attended to the old appointments 
only. For this year's service I received $25 
and a present of one pair of coarse woolen 
pants ! This year my fare was such that I 
sometimes, yes, ofttimes, had only a crust of 
corn bread for my meal, seemingly saved for 
me, by people that lived mostly on potatoes ; 
and for my lodging place the floor or other 
place no better. And yet I feel free to say 
that no one ever heard me complain, I do not 
think I slept two nights successively in the 
same bed, unless at a Quarterly meeting I I 
had to preach more than once a day, between 
Sundays, and on vSundays sometimes four times. 
This was a remarkable year for the manifesta- 
tion of the power of God in the conversion of 
souls. We had one camp meeting of such won- 
derful awakenings that old grayheaded sinners 
were aroused from their lethargy and turned to 
the Saviour of sinners. One person 82 years 
old, one 78, and one over GO were led to seek 
and find salvation ! On Sunday Bro. Spicer 



1 



LIFE OF JOHN FKTTKKHOFF. 77 

preached on the last judgment, and such power 
attended the word spoken on the joys of the 
saints and the torments of the damned that very 
many fell from their seats screaming for mercy ; 
others became so affrighted as to run, and 
Spicer cried after them, '* RuHy run, for the 
devil is after you I" There were few if any on 
the camp ground that were not agitated in some 
way. Two half-bred Indians were converted 
at this meeting and became good members of 
society. 

P. S. 1 was received into the church in the 
year 1819, near Frederick, Maryland, at V. 
Doub's. There were then in all, east of Pitts- 
burg, 31 ministers, 3 circuits, 1 station, and 5 
itinerants, viz., Wm. Brown, John Snyder, 
John Russel, David Fleck and John P. Brown. 
The Muskingum conference had 11 ministers. 
1 circuit, no station, 1 itinerant. All Avest of 
the Muskingum river 20 ministers, 2 circuits, 
no station, o itinerants. Making, in all, in 
1819, 3 conferences, ()8 ministers, (> circuits, 1 
station, 9 itinerants. In the year 1833 there 
were 6 conferences. 

Min. Cir. Mis. Sta. Itin. 
The Penn'a. Con. had ^ 9 1 17 
*' Virginia ** *' 20 4 9 



LIFE or JOHN FETTERHOFF. 



The Musk. con. had 30 
" Sciota '* 
** Miami ** 
' ' Indiana • * 



Total 283 



5 



64 


11 


3 





25 


45 


4 








8 


ri{] 


11 


1 





20 


283 


44 


4 


1 


85 



Increase in 14 years 68 6 1 



\) 



In 1833 General conference, in Pickwa Co., 
Ohio, resolved on a printing establishment for 
the church, at Circleville, Ohio ; and the next 
General conference, in Germantown, Ohio, 
formed a constitution for the church and the 
printing establishment. 



In 1844 til 


lere vrere in 


the 


Pennsylvania 


conference : 


Min. 


Cir. 


Mis. 


Sta. 


Itin. 




88 


8 


3 


5 


24 


Virginia . 


. . 38 


7 


1 





13 


Muskingum 


. . . 64 


18 


2 


1 


31 


Allegheny 


. . . 50 


12 


2 


1 


18 


Sandusk}' 


. . 51 


12 


2 





20 


Scioto 


. . 83 


19 





2 


29 


Miami 


. . 73 


16 


2 


2 


26 


Indiana 


. . 71 


18 


1 


2 


25 


Wabash 


. . 76 


21 


8 





33 


Total . 


. . . 594 


131 


21 


13 


219 




283 


44 


4 


1 


85 



1844 over 1833 . . 311 87 17 12 134 



LIFE OF .IOH\ FETTERIIOFF. 7^ 

This camp meeting was held about 4 miles 
North-east from the town of Pickway, near the 
Big Miami river, September, 1820. The next 
Annual conference divided this circuit into two. 

May 28th, 1821. The next conference met 
in Adelfi, in Eoss Co., Ohio. At this confer- 
ence Bishop Newcomer and Joseph Hoffman 
presided. At this conference they ordained 
me, although I did not wish it. Many of the 
old Others were present at the conference, and 
there was much friendship and l:)rotherly kind- 
ness manifested. The w^ork of God had spread 
much this year. Xew circuits were formed, 
and young preachers were received and entered 
the itineracy. 

This year I was placed for six months on 
Hillsboro mission to form it into a circuit ; then 
the last six months of the year I was to go to 
Cincinnati circuit, the one I had partly formed 
the year before while I traveled with Bro. Spi- 
cer on the Miami circuit. At this conference I 
found myself in straitened circumstances. My 
money was all spent but fifty cents, my winter 
clothes all worn out — all torn in holes except 
one light suit for summer. What to do I did 
not know. I laid my case before the old fa- 
thers, privately during conference, and they 
advised me to a^et married been as there was no 



80 LIFE OF JOHN FETTEKHOFF. 

money in circulation then. All was trade, and 
debts were paid with trade. I took their ad- 
vice and got married to Elizabeth Xull, of 
Warren county, Ohio, the 10th of June, 1821, 
by Bishop Kumler, Sen. She was such a 
housekeeper as every honest itinerant ought to 
have. She did spin, weave, color, and do the 
tailoring, and never wanted to be idle. She 
took pleasure in taking care of things, in the 
house and out of it. 

We had a camp meeting on her father's land 
at the time Ave were married, Sunday morning, 
the 10th of June, 1821. During the camp 
meeting there was much rain. The ground was 
muddy, but the power of God was so felt among 
the people, that sinners would get on their 
knees in the mud, and saints kneel beside them 
and pray. It was a time long to l)e remember- 
ed. The cam}) meeting broke on Tuesday, and 
on Friday morning I l)id adieu to my young 
wife, and went to my circuit, or mission, and 
stayed upwards of live weeks. Jt was upwards 
of fifty miles to the mission. This mission was 
mostly in Highland Co., Ohio, and by enlarging 
it it took in part of Ross county. It is a very 
hilly, and part of it mountainous, country. 
The six months I Avas here on this work, the 
Lord was truly with me, and by his Spirit 



LIFK OF JOHN FETTERHOFF. 81 

worked for his own cause. ^Vlany were con- 
verted and a good circuit was formed. I 
received into the church two ordained elders 
from the Methodist Episcopal church, four 
preachers, and some exhorters, and in all fifty- 
one members. At the close of six months, ac- 
cording to previous arrangement l)y the Annual 
conference, I went on the Cincinnati circuit and 
Bro. Henry Bonebrake took my place. I think 
this was a wrong act in the conference, because 
the last part of the year w^e did not accomplish 
much. It was a dark time to me, with the ex- 
ception of a few places the Lord revived his 
Avork. For this conference year's labor as an 
itinerant I received in all |;48.5(), l)ut my dear 
wife and I managed so that I was not in debt, 
although we had not much left to live on, and 
no home. My father-in-law gave us 28 acres 
of land. I then took a location for one year, 
1822, and went to work and improved the land 
and built a small house, nearly all myself, and 
preached nearly every Sunday, and often in the 
week by candle-light. In November I took a 
trip to Pennsylvania to see my friends, and had 
meeting on the way. It Avas pleasant to meet 
and see my old brethren and friends. I preach- 
ed in Chambersburg in the house of a local 
preacher hy the name of Eraser. The United 



82 LIFE OF JOHX FETTERHOFF. 

Brethren had no church house then in Cham- 
bersburg. I also preached in Greencastle, and 
in Hagerstown at a Quarterly meeting. Bishop 
Newcomer was present at that meeting, and 
was ver}'' happy and noisy. I also went to the 
city of Baltimore and had meeting there. There 
are warm, whole-soul Christians at this place. 
My father went with me home to the west, and 
stayed with me some three or four years and 
then returned to Pennsylvania to my brother 
Jacob's, and continued with him until he died. 
He died the 26th of May, A. D. 1840. His 
age was 81 years, 6 months, and 4 days. 

In the spring of 1823 I fell under very sore 
temptation to quit preaching, and I did not 
make my feelings known, no, not even to my 
wife. My mind and feeling was very gloomy. 
This continued about three months. Then in 
the month of May there was a protracted or big 
meeting appointed at Michael Buttenbergs. I 
felt I should go there. I went, (it was about 
23 miles,) and when I got there, as well as on 
the way, I prayed that the Lord should make 
it plain to me what my duty was. There were 
many of the old preachers present. They in 
their counsel decided that I should preach on 
Saturday evening. I then concluded I would 
make the effort once more without telling them 



LIFE OJ^ JOTIN FETTERHOFF. f^'^ 

my mind. T then M'ent to ii secret place and 
prayed that God should that evening give me a 
token. There was a great crowd of people. 
It was a beautiful moon-light evening. I 
took for a text John 8 : 12 : "I am the lis^ht of 
the world : he that foUoweth me shall not walk 
in darkness, but shall have the lisfht of life." 
AVhile I was preaching some screamed for 
mercy, seven had fallen off their seats and lay 
on the floor agonizing for pardon, and by the 
time I had spoken thirty or thirty-five minutes 
they drowned my voice, which was not easily 
done. I then stopped preaching and called all 
to prayer. The meeting continued till 1 
o'clock next morning. Many were blessed 
that night in the pardon of their sins, and there 
was quite a time of rejoicing, and I was deliv- 
ered from my gloom for the time being ; but 
how unbelieving and unstable I am ! 

1823. Our Annual conference met the 16th 
of August, 1823, in the barn of brother Lutz's, 
below Madison, Indiana. A while before the 
conference came on my mother-in-law asked 
me whether I was oroino: to conference and 
would take a circuit again. I told her I did 
not know^ She then said that they did not let 
me have their Elizabeth for me to stay at home 
with her, but they wanted me to do my duty 



<^4 LIFE UF .iOilX FETTEKIiOFF. 

unci travel and preach. I went to the confer- 
ence, it ))eing near two hundred miles, and 
there we had a blessed, soul-cheering time ; 
Bishop Newcomer in the chair. This confer- 
ence placed me on Twin Creek circuit. Here 
I had a large ^vork — upwards of thirty appoint- 
ments. I went around the entire Avork every 
four weeks. This did not give me much time 
at home ; but what time I had at home I put 
in every hour for some support for my family. 
The Lord blessed my labor on the circuit and 
also at home. I raised enough grain to bread 
my fimiily, and fatten all the meat I needed. 
On the circuit I had some good revival meet- 
ings. Souls vrere converted to God. Vre held 
one camp meeting on Brown's run. It was 
attended with much of the power of God in the 
conversion of souls. Ijo Avere added to the 
church at this meeting. For this year's lal)or 
on the circuit I received if^o-l.OO. 

1824. The Annual conference met at Buch- 
walters, Fairlield Co., Ohio, June 11th, 1824. 
There was a good attendance, and a goodly 
number of new preachers were received intO' 
conference. We had a warm, soul-cheerinir 
time in an upper room at Bro. Buchwaiter's 
where our conference was held. Conferences- 
Avere mostly held in_\^private houses and barns- 



LIFE or .lOlf.N 1-ETTHRHOFF. Si) 

m those days. ^Meeting houses were scarce 
in those days of power, love and brotherly 
kindness. From the conference I went on the 
Miami circuit. This was an unusual hard year. 
There were many church difficulties to settle on 
this Avork that had lain over from time to time, 
and were getting worse all the while. I tried 
to have all difficulties removed, but it took 
nearlv the whole year. Yet we had some ofood 
meetings and some souls were converted. For 
this year's labor I received $27.00, but b}^ hard 
work I kept myself out of debt, and hy the in- 
dustry of m}^ wife had good clothes. 

1825. June the 11th, 1825, General confer- 
ence met at the house of Jacob Shout's, Tus- 
carawas Co., Ohio. I was a delegate at this 
General conference. At this conference the 
Discipline was so amended as to have but one 
ordination in the church, namely, Elder. The 
ordination of Bishop, and also that of Deacon, 
was expunged. Bros. Newcomer and Kumler 
were re-elected as bishops. And the oSIiami 
conference district was divided. The Scioto 
conference was struck off, making the Black 
Swamp, so-called, the dividing ridge be- 
tween the waters of the Miami and Scioto riv- 
ers — the Miami conference to have for its terri- 
tory all west of Black Swamp. 



«S() LIFE OF JOHX FETTFKHOFF. 

The Miami Annual conference met in Mil- 
tonville, Ohio, May the 20th. 1825. At this 
conference we had an increase of preachers. I 
was a member of this conference. From here 
I was sent to White Water circuit in company 
with father Mahon. This circuit was in the 
state of Indiana. We had appointments in five 
counties, viz., Debois, Franklin, Union, Fay- 
ette and Wayne. This year there were some 
souls converted, and the circuit much enlarged. 
I received $13.75, but the Lord gave me 
grace not to complain. 

1826. The Annual conference met at Clear 
Creek meeting house, Warren Co., Ohio, June 
the 6th, 1826 ; Bishop Xewcomer and Kumler 
presided. At this conference the question was 
brought up whether it Avas right for ministers to 
join or belong to a Masonic lodge. (At that 
time there was no other secret order known to 
us.) This question brought much debate and 
contention before the conference, which lasted 
two days, been as four or six of the preachers 
belonged to the ]Masons. Three of them had 
joined within the last year, and we had no rule 
in the Discipline against it. This Annual con- 
ference then passed a by-law for itself that no 
member of the Miami Annual conference would 
be allowed to join himself to the Freemasons, 



I 



LIFE OF JOHN FETTER I lOFF. 87 

and those who then did belong would not be al- 
lowed to attend their lodges or walk in proces- 
sion with them. If any one would violate the 
above rule he would thereby exclude himself 
from the church and conference. Newcomer 
was then presiding l)ishop over all the Annual 
conferences. He had a copy of this resolution 
passed in each of the other Annual conferences, 
and the next General conference made it a lavf 
in the Discipline. From this conference I was 
sent on the Cincinnati circuit. This year I did 
not see as much of the power of God in the con- 
version of souls as I have seen some other 
years, although we had some very good meet- 
in o-s and some increase on the circuit. The 
circuit went through six counties and had twen- 
ty-seven appointments. I received $42.09. 

1827. The next conference met in Coridon, 
below the falls of the Ohio river, Harrison Co., 
Indiana, May 22nd, 1827. I traveled the Cin- 
cinnati circuit again part of the year. Got 
$14.56. At this conference we had some troub- 
le. Some of those who had joined the Masons 
withdrew themselves from the church on ac- 
count of the rule passed the year before, forbid- 
ding them to attend the lodge. Alfred Carder 
and William Ballard went to ruin. Ballard lost 
his mind and died at the chain. Carder got to 



HH 



LIFE OF JOHN FETTEIIHOFF. 



be a Shaking Quaker, then went to the Univer- 
salians, then to the Swedenborgians, and after- 
ward l)ecanie a poor pensioner. Aaron Farmer 
and fathei' I^all came back to the conference in 
a year or so and made acknowledgment and 
were restored. They proved foithfal men, 
exposed Afasonry, and both left the world in 
the triumphs of living faith. 

1<S28. The next Annual conference met at 
Miltonville, Butler Co., Ohio, May the 20th, 
1828. At this conference we had a peaceable 
time. The church was much enlarged in num- 
bers, the work of grace was going on finely, 
and more preachers were received. At this 
conference I took a location for one year. I 
needed a barn. I built one during the'^summer 
and hired but little. Did it mostly myself. In 
all it did not cost me over $30.00, although it 
was a neat Bank barn 30 by 41. The last^part 
of the year they persuaded me to take the Mi- 
ami circuit. The brother who was appointed 
to It failed. It was a large, hard circuit, bad 
roads, and many places no roads, only Indian 
paths. It extended from Dayton to St. Mayris 
and Wagpoghhanette, on the Auglaize river. 
I preached in some houses that the" showy In- 
dians had built, which were covered with oak 
bark. I traveled this work the last ei^ht 



LIFK t)F .JOTIN FETTEiniOFF. (Sll 

months of the year and got sf^lG.OO. Brother 
Bongomen Abbot came the last part of the year 
to help me. He was very poor, and I let hhn 
have nearly all that was collected. 

1829. The next conference met in German- 
town, Montgoraer}^ Co., Ohio, May the 26th, 
1829. Newcomer and Kumler presided. Six 
were ordained. Th« work still spread more 
and more. We had a soul-cheering time at this 
conference. The General conference also had 
met the 15th of this month in the house of 
Dewalt Macklen, Fairfield Co., Ohio. I also 
was a member of said conference. At this 
General conference the rule against oMasonry 
was first made a law in the Discipline. It had 
some opposition, but not much. Newcomer 
and Kumler were re-elected bishops. Newcom- 
er was then in his eighty-first year since Janu- 
ar}^ 21st. This was the last General conference 
he attended, and also the last Annual conference 
in the state of Ohio. From this Annual confer- 
ence (Germantown, Ohio) he went home and 
died jNIarch 12th, 1830. From this conference 
I was sent on the Cincinnati circuit again, and 
had Henry Kumler, Jun., for a colleague. We 
enlarged the circuit so that it took us five weeks 
to make a round. We had some great revivals 
this vear. Manv souls were truly converted. 



DO LIFE OF .lOHX FKTTEKHOP^F. 

Much power was manifested at some of the 
camp meetings we held. In one neighborhood 
we formed a class of upwards of fifty members 
this year. It was truly a soul-cheering time, 
and much good was done. For this year's labor 
each of us received |52.5() 1-4, making in all 
$105.12 1-2. The Lord blessed us, and we 
thouo^ht we were oettino- alonsf line. 

1830. The Annual conference met at Clear 
Creek meeting house, May 11th, 1830; Bishop 
Kumler in the chair. There was a good attend- 
ance. Many of the old fathers were living and 
were present — Andrew Zeller, Joseph Huffman, 
and his In-other George, Daniel Troyer and 
Joseph Frey. We had a very pleasant session i 
— much peace and brotherly kindness. This ! 
year I took a location. Henry Evinger and I 
intended to take a trip to the fnv west, as it was 
then called. We met in Preble county, Ohio, 
at Bonebrake's meeting house Saturday, Octo- 
ber 16th. We had meeting here Saturday and j 
Sunday, and on Monday morning (18th) we 
started for the Wabash river. We had some 
bad roads, especially from Indianapolis to Craw- 1 
fordsville. There was no road open, only such 
as was made by movers. We had some friends . 
and many acquaintances in that country. We { 
arrived at my cousin's, Henry Walter, the 21st. 



LIFE OF JOnX FETTEKIIOFF. iU 

The 23rd we went to John Hoobler's. 24th 
had meeting at Bonebrake's. (He is married to 
my wife's first cousin.) We had a very good 
meeting. Preaching was well received by them. 
25th we went through Atica, upon the grand 
Pavara, on Little Pine creek to old Peter 
Brown, father of William and David Brown. 
We found them in a log camp, having but three 
sides enclosed. One side Avas for a fire-place. 
In this neighborhood there are many fresh water 
ponds, or little lakes, and good fish in them. 
They use the water for family use. From here 
we went north-east to Partepevara, near the 
mouth of Tippecanoe river to an old friend of 
brother Evinger's. The next day we went on 
the battle ground where Harrison lost so many 
men. The marks of the battle Avere quite 
plain. Many souls that night took their flight 
to the spirit world. Much lead was taken out 
of trees. From here we w^ent to LaFayette, 
eio-ht miles. It then v/as but a small village, 
with three or four stores. From here we went 
east 24 miles to Frankfort, Clinton county. 
This is a new place just laid out for a town this 
fall. It has one house and a few shanties. 
Many of my neighbors from Warren Co., Ohio, 
live here. We stayed at this place three days 
and looked at land. We then went to Craw- 



!)-> 



LIFE OF JOHN FETTEKHOFF. 



fordsville to the land office, and 1 entered three 
eighty-acre lots, and afterwards sold them for 
1100 apiece. Tuesday the 2nd of November we 
started for home. IVe had much rain and the 
roads got very deep, l)ut we had good horses 
and made good speed, so that we got home in 
the evening of the ()th, and found all well. 
The balance of this conference year I attended 
many Quarterly meetings, and preached much 
as a local preacher, and seen much good done 
at some of the meetings. 

1831. The next conference met in German- 
town, Montgomery Co., Ohio, May 2Gth, 1831. 
This conference was truly a peaceful session — all 
was peace and harmony. It finished all its 
business on Saturday. Sunday morning Joseph 
Huffman preached English and Bishop Kumler 
German. There was a soul-cheering time 
among the hearers. Love feast and sacrament 
on Monday. There was much rejoicing and 
praising of God. From this conference I went 
on the Four-mile circuit. (It had its name from 
a stream of that name which ran through its 
bounds.) This was the most pleasant circuit in 
the l)oands of this conference to travel, and 
had only twenty-two preaching places, and 
some strong and well-established classes. 
This was a prosperous year. Many souls were 



LIFE OF .lUHN FETTEiaiOFF. 



!)H 



converted. AVe had two camp meetings on 
this work, during the year. One on In'other 
Hetzler's hind, the other on Indian creek, be- 
low Hamilton. At the tirst meeting many 
were converted, and thirty were received into 
full membership. At the other meeting Ave 
had cold, uphill work until Sunday. Then the 
work of God took a wonderful start. Sinners 
cried for mercy, at the altar and in the tents, 
and many found peace with God. This work 
of grace went on till Tuesday when the meet" 
ino- broke. Twenty-two were added to the 
church. I also held a two-days' meeting at 
lather Con's. i\Iany were Ijlessed, and 9 added 
to the church. For this year's successful labor 
I o-ot ii?l()9.00. This vras more than double I 
had ever received in one year before. In the 
spring of 1832 I sold my little home on Clear 
Creek, Warren Co., Ohio, and bought an old 
mill property on Paint Creek, Preble Co., 
Ohio, and moved to that the lirst of xVpril, 
1832. The 25th day of February, 1832, 
Christian Null died, (he was my lirst wife's 
father,) and was l)uried the 2C)th. I was on 
my circuit at the time. I got home on the 
28th and found the rest well. 

1832. Conference met at Miltonville, But- 
ler Co., Ohio, Yiay 29. This conference was 



94 



lifp: op- johx fetterhoff. 



not as soul-cheering as some others have been. 
In this conference district we had a local pre- 
siding elder for each circuit until now. At 
this conference they made a change and elected 
me presiding elder over the west district (all 
west of the Miami river) . This was somewhat 
a pleasant year to me. We had some interest- 
ing camp meetings. One was held near Ger- 
niantown on the land of Jacob Ring the 9th of 
August. The wicked were very bad and caus- 
ed much interruption. Finally God overruled 
and much good was done. Many were convic- 
ted and converted, and some of the wicked 
were severely punished by paying a heavy fine, 
and some were imprisoned. The next year 
we had meeting on the same ground and were 
not disturbed at all. The next meeting for 
this year was on Indian creek, where we had 
such a blessed time the year before. This 
year it did not move so well. There was a 
kind of a drag, but there were some converted. 
For this year's labor I received $16.00. I gave 
the public collection to the circuit preacher. 

1833. General conference met atDresbach's 
church, Pickaway Co. , Ohio, May 15th. At this 
General conference the arrangement was made 
to have a printing press in Circle ville, Ohio, 
under the control of the church, and also a 



LIFE OF .lOlIN FETTP:r{IIOFF 



95 



church hymn book. Before this we used the 
Methodist hymn book. Father Kumler, S. 
Hestand and Wm. Brown were elected bishops. 
After a session of four days we finished our 
work in peace, and bid each other adieu, and 
returned to our different fields of labor. On 
Tuesday the 28th our Annual conference met 
in Germantown. Bishops Kumler and Brown 
presided. At this conference we had some 
trouble with some of its members, on account 
of preaching so much on and about the Millen- 
nium, setting the time when it should make its 
appearance and seemingly knowing all about 
it. Some afterward went wild and backslid — 
like Jonah— because their predictions were not 
fulfilled. What became of them after this I 
know not. This conference year they placed 
me on the Four-mile circuit again. For the 
last eight months of the year I had some good 
times again on this work. I got for my labor 
these eight months $56.00. 

1834. Annual conference met at Bonebrake's 
church, May 28th. Nothing unusual transpired 
at this conference, only this : they concluded to 
have a traveling presiding elder, instead of a 
local presiding elder over each circuit. The 
conference elected me to preside over the entire 
conference district. This gave me much care 



•)^> LIFE OF .fOnX FETTEIJHOFF. 

and work. I held witli the assistance of the 
preachers four camp meetings. ^Ye had some 
glorious times. We vritnessed the conversion 
of many souls. The work of the Lord spread 
much this year, and at Annual conference new 
circuits were formed, and the demand for labor- 
ers in the vineyard was great. In the month 
ot June the Cholera broke out in Cincinnati and 
took away from time to eternity hundreds in a 
very short time. It also spread through the 
country some forty miles around. :\Iany sin- 
ners were much alarmed. More of them were 
brought to pray through fear of the Cholera 
than by the preaching of the gospel. For this 
year's labor I received $UA)(K I l^t the circuit 
preacher have all. 

1835. Conference met in Germantown, May 
ir)th ; Bishop Kumler in the chair. Durincr this 
conference we had a ])lessed, long to be remem- 
bered, joyful time. All was peace and harmo- 
ny. Conference got through with its ^rork on 
Saturday. Sunday and Monday were spent in 
holding meeting, preaching, sacrament, love 
least, &c. Souls were converted and saints 
made happy, and fothers and mothers shouted 
praise to God. I was re-elected presiding el- 
der over the conference district. This was 
<iaite a prosperous year. The work of God 



LIFE OF .lOHN FKTIEKHOFF. 1)7 

spread, some fields of labor were extended to 
the Maumee and Fort Deliance. AVe held 
some soul-cheering camp meetings. At all of 
them the presence of God was felt, and his pow- 
er manifested in the conversion of souls. Many 
souls were added to the church this year and 
young men called to the ministry. For this 
year's labor I received $33.00. 

1836. Conference met at Indiani Creek 
chapel, Butler Co., Ohio, May 24th. At this 
conference there was some wire working done. 
Some coveted the othce of presiding elder. I 
then resolved to get out of their way, and said 
that I would not serve as such longer. It 
caused some unpleasant feelings. Henry Kum- 
ler, Jun., was then elected in my place, and 1 
took a location. But at the expiration of six 
months Bishop Kumler — Henry's father — came 
to my house requesting me to take the district 
oft* his son's hands, and also informed me that 
Four-mile circuit was without a preacher. I 
told him I AYould take the Four-mile circuit. 
I then went on said circvdt the balance of the 
year. Had twenty-three appointments, and 
made a round every three weeks. The Lord 
was truly with me, and blessed my labor. 
Quite a number were received into church fel- 
lowship. I receiv^ed 180.00 at the close of this 



98 LIFE OF .JOHN FETTFlfHOFF. 

conference year. I sold my mill and farm for 
$5,000.00. I had paid $1,800.00 for it, and 
built a new mill and also a saw-mill. Did 
much repairing on the farm and farm buildings, 
and was $500.00 in debt. I had lived here 
four years and done much work. 

1837. This conference met in Miltonville, 
Butler Co., Ohio, May 3rd. Bishop Kumler 
and Hestand presided. There was nothing un- 
usual occurred at this conference. Been as I 
had sold my home and intended to go to the 
west I took a location. From this conference 
we went to Germantown where the General 
conference met the 9th of May. At this con- 
ference there Avas much very important business 
done. There was a constitution framed to be 
laid before the church for her approval, and al- 
so an itinerant plan to organize a proper itiner- 
acy and point out their duty. Kumler and 
Hestand were re-elected bishops, and Jacob 
Erb was elected as bishop. The 20th of 
August my wife and I, and youngest child, 
Samuel, got into our carriage and started for 
Wabash county, Indiana. We had pleasant 
weather, fine roads, and got elong nicely. We 
got to my sister Rebecca's the 25th. Her man 
was not at home. He had gone to a (^amj) 
meeting. We stayed with her that night, and 



LIFE OF JOHN FETTERHOFF. 99 

the next day we went on to camp meeting. 
My sister went with us in the carriage. The 
€amp meeting was on Whimset's land near New- 
port. AVe got there in the afterpart of the day. 
It was a beautiful grove, with every conveni- 
ence, and well attended with tents and people. 
This meeting was truly a good meeting. The 
€ries of penitents was almost constantly heard. 
One boy of fourteen years of age was convert- 
ed and he afterwards became an eminent minis- 
ter. He was put on a lield of labor in his 
sixteenth year and was very successful in 
bringing souls to Christ. From this camp 
meeting we went to Coles county, Illinois, on 
the Ambarris river, to the settlement of the 
Evingers. I had been often in their company 
in the state of Ohio. They are an humble, 
upright Christian people, very wealthy. Here 
we stayed a few days. This is a beautiful 
country, good land, but far from market. On 
Saturday the 2nd of September we got to a 
camp meeting in Park county, Ind. on the land 
of Aaron Eholling's. A great part of this 
ground was covered with a shed to shelter the 
people from rain and sun and night dew. We 
had much of the presence of God at this meet- 
ing ; there was a precious time of rejoicing. 
Prom this meeting we went up the Wa- 



100 IJFE OF JOHN FETTERHOFF. 

bash river some sixty miles to Peter Brown's, 
where Evinger and I had been live years before. 
They then lived in a tent, but now they are 
well fixed .in a good house. From here we 
went to Inockwise river, west of the o-rand 
prairie. This is truly a prairie country, very 
rich land, but timber and water scarce. The 
13th of September got back to Brown's, having 
now traveled near oOO miles. 14th went to 
Annual conference near Poolsville, Warren 
county, Ind. This was an infant conference. 
But few preachers belonged to it. Bishop 
Kumler presided. Some young men were re- 
ceived into conference. Much brotherly kind- 
ness wjis felt among them. Each day at noon 
they had a sermon preached. The 16th we 
started for home. We still had fine weather 
and good roads. On our way home we were 
never out of sight of people that were moving 
west. AVe got home the 20th and found all 
well. AVe concluded to fix up our aliairs and 
move to the west. We had much to do to get 
ready, but with care and much attention we got 
ready to start the 9th of October. Brother 
John Conn hauled a four-horse load for us, and 
1 had a heavy two-horse load, and one load we 
left back. This I came and got in January 
following. It rained some before we started. 



LIFE OF JOHN' FETTEKHOFF. 101 

I wrote a letter to my cousin Walter to meet 
me at Indianapolis with two or three horses to 
help us through the wilderness between White 
river and Crawfordsville. He did meet us as 
requested. The road was much cut up, but 
with the assistance of his able horses we got 
along line, and got to his house five miles west 
of Crawfordsville the 1.5th of October, being on 
the way (140 miles) six days. We stayed 
here a few days and looked at some land, and 
hunted for a house to move into ; but we found 
none. We then went west on Cole creek to 
the widow Hoobler's and stayed here two 
weeks. AVe tried here to ofet a house to winter 
in, but there was none to be found that would 
hold our household goods. My brother-in-law, 
John Hoobler, came and invited us to move in- 
to his house with him, and fix up an old cabin 
that stood in his yard to put some of the things 
into. This we accepted. We could do no 
better. Here we stayed through the winter. 
I hauled some Avood to Perrysville, and helped 
the people with their corn, and got more corn 
and hay than I needed for my horses and cows 
and provision for my family, although I spent 
much time in huntinsf a home to move to in the 
spring. I saw much good land, but I want- 
ed a place with good buildings and a good 



102 LIFE OF JOHN FErTP:KHOFF. 

spring of water. The last week in March I 
l)ought two farms joining each other on Sugar 
creek, Park county. They contained upwards 
of four hundred acres. I got possession of one 
of the farms the first of April, and the other 
the first of August. The 2nd of April I moved 
to the place. 1 found much to do. Fencing 
l)ad, much to fix, and old timber on the fields 
to be taken ofi', &c. 

During this summer I had many invitations 
to preach. I had meeting every Sabbath, if 
not Quarterly meeting. I also attended three 
camp meetings; one on Pine creek, one at 
Winsett's and one at Pawling's near home. 
Much good was done at all three, but the one 
near my home was blessed with many converts. 
It was kept up all night. 

1838. Conference met in the house of Will- 
iam Davis, four miles west of Crawfordsville, 
Montgomery Co., Ind., September 11th. Bish- 
op KumJer presided. Xearly all the members 
of conference were present — about 18 in all. 
We had a friendly session. Some young men 
Avere received into conference. I also joined 
this conference, and was elected to preside over 
the conference district. There were but five 
circuits, but they were large and lay far apart. 
This was a hard year — a new countrj^ bad 



LIFE OF JOHN FETTP^KHOFF. 103 

voads, far to travel, poor people, poor houses, 
poor fare, in winter much exposed to cold both 
by day and in the night. We had some very 
interesting- meetings during this year. Many 
were added to the church. Peace and brother- 
ly kindness prevailed. For my service I re- 
ceived $16.00. 

1839. Conference met at AVm. Baker's, 
nine miles east of LaFayette, September 5th. 
Bishop Kumler presided. At this conference 
there were some hard feelings betw^een some of 
the brethren. They proposed to bring their 
grievance before the conference to be settled, 
i made a motion that they should w^ithdraw- 
from the room and talk their trouble over be- 
tween themselves, in a kind. Christian way, 
and then come back and let the conference 
know how they felt. They went out and soon 
came back and said, all was now understood, 
and they could now^ love one another, and gave 
each other the hand in friendship. I was again 
elected to preside over the conference district. 
We had great revival meetings this year. One 
meeting at Jefterson, Clinton Co., was held in 
February, 1840, and kept up about ten days. 
Upwards of seventy were converted. This 
year some jealousy was manifested. I felt that 
I was in the way of some. I got for my serv- 



104 lifp: of johx fettekhoff. 

ice this year $11). 00. 

1840. Conference met in my house June 
old. We entertained all, preachers and visit- 
ors, near sixty persons, some meals over sixty ; 
and it was said that it was the most happy con- 
ference we ever have had together. There was 
no l)isho[). They elected me to preside. Some 
old difficulties were settled at this conference. 
Josiah Davis was elected presiding elder, (he 
afterwards got to be a Universalist preacher,) 
and I was placed on a little, poor, obscure mis- 
sion. This year was nearly a blank in my life, 
through the persecution of some of my neigh- 
bors. I built a mill on Sus^ar creek, and met 
with much opposition, and finally a lawsuit, but 

I gained it in court ; but it laid the foundation 
for many false and slanderous reports about 
me, and some of them of the basest kind, 
which were kept secret from me for a long 
time. For this 3^ear's labor I received $11.00. 
It was said I did not need mone^^ and I would 
not beg. 

P. S. In October, 1840, I sold my mill to 
Bousher. It was a relief to me. 

1841. The next conference met at Milford, 

II miles west of LaFayette, June 14th. Hen- 
ry Kumler, Jun., presided. At this conference 
there Avas much trouble. Two preachers were 



LIP^E OF JOHN FETTEKHOFF. 105 

expelled and others censured, but the work had 
spread to St. Joseph county. The conference 
district was divided into three presiding elder 
districts, viz., St. Joseph and the Wabash riv- 
er was made the dividing line of the balance. 
The one was called West district, and the oth- 
er East. I was put on the East district, Josiah 
Davis on tbe West, and Wm. Davis on the St. 
Joseph. During this year we had some very 
interesting camp meetings. One near Bowling 
Green, and one on Cole creek. This meeting 
was attended with much convertinof fi^race. 22' 
were added to the church and the church was 
much revived. At a Quarterly meeting near 
Burlington, on Wild cat, February 6th, 1842, 
we had a peculiar meeting. The people here 
are poor, live in cabins ; heavy timber, and not 
much cleared land. When I got to this place 
it appeared gloomy — no circuit preacher. In 
the evening a local preacher came. On Satur- 
day there was some feeling among the people. 
On Sunday there was a very large congrega- 
tion. We went to the grove. The Word 
preached made much impression on the people, 
and on Sunday evening while I was speaking 
five fell oflT their seats (Saul-like) and cried for 
mercy. I then stopped speaking and got them 
and others to a bench, or benches, for prayer. 



106 LIFE OF JOHN FETTEHHOFF. 

It seemed that near! 3^ half the congregation 
came forward for prayer. Many were convert- 
ed that night. Eleven joined the church. The 
next morning I left, which was wrong to leave 
a meeting while souls are inquiring the way to 
God, but I had to go to my appointment. For 
this conference year's labor I received $11.26. 
God provided and I lived. 

1842. Conference met at Jefferson, Clinton 
Co., Indiana, June 3rd. Bishop Kumler pre- 
sided. There was a very good attendance at 
this conference — nearly all the members were 
present. Much love and brotherly kindness 
was manifested ; often we would have a time of 
rejoicing. Thirteen young preachers were ad- 
ded to our number. All of them were the 
fruits of revival meetings. Xot one of them 
came from a man-made preacher factory. If 
their heads were not stored with human knowl- 
edge, their hearts were full of the love of God, 
and the power of the Holy Ghost. Thus they 
went forth, being sent by the Holy Ghost, Acts 
13 : 4, and God was with them, and they did 
more for God in the conversion of souls and in 
bringing them to Christ than all the D. D.'s 
with their head-knowledge and cold souls. I 
was re-elected to preside — was again appointed 
to the East district, and Wm. Brown to the 



LIFE OF JOHN FETTEKHOFF. 107 

West. This was a remai'kal)le year for pros- 
perity ill the eonversion of souls. We held a 
number of camp meetings. All of them Avere 
attended with much of the power of God. At 
a camp meeting not far from ni}' dwelling, held 
the l()th of September and continued till the 
r^lst, onl}^ six days, there were upwards of 
one hundred converted. Seventy-nine joined 
the church. The power of God was so felt 
among the people, and such constant cries for 
mercy and saints rejoicing, at the altar and in 
the tents, both day and night, that we had but 
one sermon from Sunday noon till Tuesday 
evening. I did then believe, and do now be- 
lieve, that when God works among the people, 
and the people work, preaching is a hindrance. 
Let them pra}^ talk to mourners and exhort 
spectators, and keep their mouldy sermons in 
their pockets. Some upwards of ten hundred 
were added to the church this year on this dis- 
trict. For this conference year's labor I re- 
ceived $1).18 0-4. The circuit preacher needed 
the balance. 

1843. Conference met at Poolsville, twelve 
miles of LaFayette, May 12th. Bishop Kum- 
ler presided. This conference was not quite so 
pleasant. There were some church trials, cen- 
sures and expulsions. T was re-appointed to 



108 LIFK OF .JOHN FETTEHHOFF. 

the East district. There was some jealousy. 
Some others wanted to he put on this district, 
and got disappointed. O how cruel is jealousy ! 
August the 4th we held a camp meeting on 
Cole creek, near Hillsborough. At this meet- 
ing the work of God went on in the conversion 
of souls both day and night without intermis- 
sion. It was a time long to be remembered. 
Many were added to the church. T began to 
feel unwell. I attended two Quarterly meet- 
ings. I had to travel 90 miles, and felt weak. 
Then on the 24th I went to a camp meeting 
upwards of 40 miles south, on Ell river, and on 
Saturday night the meeting continued until aft- 
ter midnight. I was in the altar laboring with 
mourners, and when I was worn faint I sought 
a place to lie down, but all the tents were full. 
I then laid down back of a tent on some straw. 
It rained some that night, and in the morning 
when I got up I was wet, and sick, and yet 
they would have me to preach that day. I la}^ 
in a tent, having much fever. At ten they 
called on me to preach. I wanted one of them 
to preach, but all refused. I got up in the fe- 
ver and went on the stand, and put my trust in 
God. Soon all the pain in my head, and the 
fever, left me. I spoke with libert}'. A great 
work started anew, and many came forward for 



LIFE OF JOHN FETTEKHOFF. 109 

pniyer. In an hour or so the fever returned. 
I felt very sick. I called for my horse and got 
on him and started for home. I would ride a 
while, then stop and get off and rest a while, 
then go on again. (It is hard to travel up- 
wards of forty miles in that way.) I got home 
the next day, Monday evening, very glad, yet 
sick and sore. Tuesday I tried to keep up, 
not being used to lying down in day-time ; but 
on Wednesday I took my bed, I could keep up 
no longer ; and on Saturday they did not ex- 
pect me to get well. The doctor had given me 
up. I then put the question to my mind, If I 
die is all well ? I then thought that the floor of 
the house above me, as well as the roof, and 
also the sky, opened, and I saw to another 
world, and a glorious person descended and 
hovered over me and said with a smile, '• Don't 
be afraid ; all is well !" and then returned to 
that other world : but the sky was left open 
so that I could look after him as he returned. 
I then thought I might have preached some 
item of doctrine (ignorantly) in my time that 
was false, and that might do injury after I was 
dead. When this thought came to my mind, I 
saw three beautiful persons descend. One of 
them I knew well ; it was the apostle Paul. 
The other two I did not know. I thought they 



110 LIFE f>F JOHN FETTKItHOFF. 

came to witness the scene that was to take 
place. Paul stood over me with a foot on each 
side of me, and the other two one on each side 
of him. Paul then asked me what I had 
preached. I then thought that every item of 
doctrine I had ever preached was on paper, 
and all numbered 1, 2, 3, and so on. I named 
No. 1. He then proved it with Scripture. 
Then he said, '' What next?" I named Xo. 2, 
and so on until the last number was named, 
and he had proven each one. He then more 
pleasantly looked me in the lace with a smile 
and said, "Do not be afraid ; the doctrine you 
have preached will stand when heaven and 
earth pass awa3\'' Then all three ascended up, 
Paul leading the way. I looked after until all 
was closed up. I then came to nwself, and 
found that my wife and children (with some of 
the neighbors) Avere standing around my bed 
weeping. They thought I was dying. I said, 
"What are you crj'ing about? The apostle 
Paul has just l)een with me, and he is one of 
the most friendly men I ever saw." From this 
on I beofan to o^et better, the fever left me, I 
mended slowly, sometimes better, then again 
worse, for more than two months. In about 
two months I got so that I could walk about 
the house, and in three months I started on mv 



LIFE OF JOHN FETTEKHOFF. Ill 

district again. Xovenil^er 28tli I got mj horse 
and in three days went a1)oat seventy miles and 
held a Quarterly meeting, and still got stron- 
ger ; and from this on till conference I was en- 
abled to attend all the appointments. We had 
some very good meetings. One meeting near 
Montezunea was great. Many were converted 
iind added to the church. For this year's labor 
1 received $13.26. 

1844. Conference met in Walter's meeting 
house, five miles west of Crawfordsville, March 
21st. Bishop Kumler presided. At this con- 
ference there was bad feeling manifested, jeal- 
ous}', envy and ill will. The object was to get 
somebody out of their way and be elected pre- 
siding elder, and also open the way to be elect- 
ed deleofate to General conference. Some six 
of them were united in this dark, underhanded 
work. Four of them afterwards fell, three 
came to a bad end, one is a Universalist preach- 
er. Two out of the six kept their standing in 
the conference, and are now in God's favor. 
The conference placed me on Crawfordsville 
mission, a small out of the way place, no socie- 
ty on it. I went home from conference griev- 
ed, and after I got home I took sick with fever 
asrain. It was more than a month before I was 
able to travel on horseback. But so soon as I 



112 LIFE OF JOHN FETTP:KH0FF. 

was able I went on the work and did what I 
could. The opposition was great from formal 
churches, although I had some good meetings 
at some points; some were converted, and I 
formed some societies. But it was a hard year 
for me, the hardest year I ever have had. I 
was much afflicted, and still worse persecuted 
by some of the above named men. (I shall 
not name the particulars.) Their object was 
to get themselves elected to General confer- 
ence that fall. Three of them did succeed. 
AVhen I saw how it was going, and heard what 
was said and done, I got excited and did things 
I afterwards was truly sorry for. Some of the 
election papers fell into my hands. I was de- 
sirous to know how the people had voted. It 
only proved true what had been said to me by 
my friends. I then destroyed some of the pa- 
pers, and altered some, and then sent them on 
to the tellers. But, after reflection, I felt 
grieved, and sent them word and let them 
know (before they had reported who was elect- 
ed) what I had done, and that I was sorry, and 
if they would let me, I would rectify all the 
papers I had any thing to do with. The tellers 
went into counsel with one of the leadino- men 
(Josiah Davis, the Universalist preacher; Avho 
was my enemy. They then sent me this note, 



LIFE OF JOHN FETTERHOFF. llo 

That no alteration or acknowledgment I could 
make would enable them to fo^gi^'e mc, and 
cited me to trial, to meet at the house of one of 
the tellers. And when I got there they had 
this Josiah Davis for their committee. I ob- 
jected to him. He said there was nothing in' 
the Discipline to prevent him from serving, 
and so they overruled all to their notion and 
said that they would have to hand me over to 
Annual conference, that it would have to decide 
in this case. In four weeks the conference 
met in Concord. Old father Kumler presided 
in the room of his son Henry. By this time 
my enemies had all arranged to their liking. 
They put ni}^ case oft* till the last of conference, 
and overruled the bishop and had all their own 
way. The bishop sat ])ehind the table and 
wept. Some of my friends told me that it was 
useless to try to get justice done here ; that the 
General conference would meet in four weeks, 
and then the conference district would be divi- 
ded : 1 should then come to the Xorth district 
and they would make all right. I then got up 
in conference and told them that I Avould sa}' 
aii'ain that I am i^'uiltv of the charo-es alle<2:ed 
against me, and that I heartily ask their par- 
don, but that they blamed me with more than 
I was guilty of. They then ordered me to 



114 LIFE OF JOHN FETTEllHOFF. 

withdraw and Davis and Dunham delivered 
speeches and called for the vote to expel nae. 
The bishop refused to put the vote, but they 
voted my expulsion anyhow. Many did not 
vote at all. They gained their aim in their 
way. The bishop came to me and said I had 
better come back to the state of Ohio ; that I 
could not enjoy peace among these men. As 
was expected, the conference district was divi- 
ded. All north of LaFayette was called St. 
Joseph conference. This conference met in 
North Manchester the 18th of September, and 
as I was requested and advised I went there, 
and there (without my request) they took up 
my case and reconsidered it and restored me to 
my former standing. 

1845. Conference met in North Manches- 
ter, Wabash county, Ind., September 18th. 
There was no bishop present. Francis Witcom 
was elected bishop pro tem, assisted by Wm. 
Davis. This being a new conference it was 
small, only eighteen members and six circuits. 
At this conference I was appointed presiding 
elder over the North district. This year I had 
far to travel ; it was about 170 miles to the dis- 
trict, and mostly wet, flat country, and very 
bad roads. During this year I filled all my 
appointments on the district, and we had some 



LIFE OF JOHN FETTEIiHOFF. IIT) 

soul-cheering times. At a Quarterly meeting 
near Elkhart the last day of February, 1846, 
Ave had an extraordinary time ; many were con- 
verted, and twenty-seven joined the church. 
For this year's labor I received $2.50, and 
spent 114.00 ; the circuit preacher needed all 
the balance. 

1840. June 11th I started with ninety bar- 
rels of flour to Buffalo, New York. I went 
Avith a canal boat to Toledo, then on a steam- 
boat to Buffalo. There Avas nothing of note 
transpired until Ave returned. Then a heavy 
storm arose, and the danger of being Avrecked 
was great. They run the boat into a harbor 
and cabled her for twelve hours, and Avhen the 
Avaves had ceased they went on. Many of the 
passengers Avere very sea-sick. It is 330 miles 
from Toledo across the lake. The 22th of June 
Ave arrived safe at Toledo. On the 23rd I 
started on a canal boat for LaFayette Avith a 
rough, drinking crew, and I bore it as best I 
could. Got to Delphi the 25th, going day and 
niofht, and then sfot home the 28th and found 
all Avell. This was a trip of upwards of 1,000 
miles by Avater and upAvards of 150 by land. 
God kept me from sickness and danger. Con- 
ference met near WarsaAV, at Leifel's meeting 
house, October 12th. All was peace among^ 



11(> LIFE OF JOHN FETTEliHOFF. 

the brethren. Glossbremier presided. Two 
men Ciune from the AA'abash conference to im- 
peach me, ])ut they could not effect any thing, 
and went oif much displeased, although I said 
nothing nor did anything. 1 left all in the 
hands of God and the brethren. It all worked 
for nn' good. I took a location for one year, 
but I preached nearly every Sunday, and often 
in the week. My neighbors prevailed on me 
to preach once in four weeks in my own house. 
To this 1 consented. We mostly had a good 
turnout to hear, and some very good meetings. 
I also attended many (Quarterly and two days' 
meetings. 

1S47. Conference met in Berrien, Mich., 
Octol)er 7th. Bishop Hanb}^ presided. My 
wife and Bro. Geor«:e Surface went with me to 
conference, ITjO miles. (My wife had a sister 
living 57 miles on this side of conference. She 
stopped there until we returned.) Thi^ con- 
ference went off very pleasant — all peace. At 
this conference I gave myself up fully into the 
itineracy, and the\'' elected me presiding elder 
again hy a unanimous vote, save one. They 
then placed me on the South district. The 
deepest snow fell that I have seen since I came 
to this countr}^ It was nineteen inches deep, 
December 14th. And on the 2r)th a two days^ 



LIFE OF .I()H\ FETTEIfHOFF. 117 

meeting' was appointed at my bouse. On Sun- 
(hw morning (it was said) was the coldest day 
since the year 1832. This snow and cold kept 
some from coming to meeting, but the Lord was 
with us and we had a good meeting. This year 
there was nothing special occurred. We had 
one camp meeting near Mexico. This meeting 
was excellent. The church was weak at this 
place, and many wild and rude persons were 
here. Some were much afraid that we would 
be disturbed. I told them not to be uneasy, 
that they should put their trust in God and 
these rude persons Avould help us to keep order. 
I then went on the stand and called them up, 
and told them that I had something to sa}^ to 
them. And when I got their attention I told 
them that we had come there to worship God, 
and that we wished to have peace and not im- 
pose on any one, and I hoped that we were in 
a moral, well-behaved settlement, and that they 
would see to it that if any rowdies would make 
their appearance they would be ]:)rought to or- 
der ; and to prove our respect to them if any of 
them were hungry they should let us know and 
we would give them to eat. The meeting went 
on finely in peace. Sunday night there was 
much power and excitement. One young 
coupl-e that had not been married lono*- were 



118 LIFE OF JOHN FETTERHOFF. 

there. The young wife slipped away from her 
husband and went into the altar and knelt down 
w^ith the mourners. Her husband sought her 
and at last found her at the mourner's bench 
praying for pardon. He at once got her up and 
took her out. He was raised in a dead, formal 
church that did not believe in being baptized 
with the Holy Ghost. They only believed in 
water baptism to do the w^ork. He had got his 
wife oft* but about a half mile when some of the 
3^oung men, called rowdies, overtook him and 
told him to stop. He wanted to know what 
they wanted. They said he should take his 
wife back and put her to that bench where he 
had taken her from, but he was not willing. 
They said he would have to do it ; that these 
people had treated them kindly, and that they 
were determined to keep order; the t* if he 
would not take her back peaceably they would 
thrash him. He found they were in earnest 
and took her back to the altar. She was weep- 
ing all the while. She fell down at the bench, 
and before one o'clock in the morninof God for 
Christ's sake pardoned her sins. When he saw 
how happy she was in the love of God, he felt 
condemned, and the next day he also came to 
be prayed for, and God in much mercy blessed 
him likewise. Many others were brought to 



LIFE OF JOHN fettp:rhoff. 119 

know Christ in the pardon of their sins. Sep- 
tember the 12th I got word that my son, 
Christian, was not expected to live. At 4 
o'clock in the evening I started, and the next 
morning two hours before day I got there (65 
miles). He was alive and sensible. When he 
fomid that I was there he fainted away for joy. 
With much rubbing and bathing he revived, 
and then wept. I staj^ed with him and gave 
him medicine, and he got well. For this year's 
labor I received $9. 

1848. Conference met in Jelferson, Clinton 
countjs Ind., September 28th. Hanby presid- 
ed : I assisted. There was a full turnout, and 
we had a peaceable session. Conference be- 
came strong, circuits were formed, young men 
were called to the ministry; there was a time 
of rejoicing. This year I took a location and 
built a mill-dam on Wild cat, and repaired the 
old saw-mill. I attended many Quarterly and 
protracted meetings, and had some good times 
and some gloomy days. I did try to do my 
duty as well as I understood it, both towards 
God and man. 1849. January 14th Smith, a 
Methodist preacher, and I, held a protracted 
meeting 2 miles west of Annapolis, four from 
my home, at Lineberger's. Many were con- 
verted ; some old men, and some hardened Uni- 



120 LIFE OF JOHN FETTEKHOFF. 

versalist.s gave their hearts to God and found 
pardon. Upwards of forty joined church. 
February 25th we commenced a meeting at 
Annapolis and kept it up 11 da^^s. It was sup- 
posed that upwards of 100 were converted. 
87 joined church. This meeting was a peculiar 
one after the third day. The young con^'erts 
carried on the meeting. If a sinner made his 
appearance in the house, often two or three- 
would meet him at the door and get hold on 
him and hang at his or her neck and weep and 
talk until tlie [)erson would yield and kneel at a 
bench for prater. Thus the meeting went on 
day and night. March 25th I preached again 
at Liiiel)erger's and at George Newman's and 
Muntezume's. The Lord was truly present at 
these meetings. The cries of the penitents 
Avere heard a great way oti', and many were 
blessed in the })ardon of their sins. I had made 
arrangement to move to Carroll county, Indi- 
ana, on Wild cat creek, to my mill, and on the 
22nd of April I preached my farewell at Annap- 
olis, two miles from my dwelling to a very 
large congregation. There was much feeling 
and many tears. 24th I started to move with 
five teams, and in four days we got to the mill. 
All went off safe and well, onl}^ we had some 
bad roads. This summer I built a house at the 



LIFE* OF .JOHN FETTEKHOFF. 121 

mill to move in. Jt was to have been linished 
by the first of October, but the workmen were 
so slow that I did not get into it till at Xew 
Year. This was ver}^ unpleasant for us, been 
as we were crowded into a small house with my 
son-in-law . 

IS 50. During the forepart of this year I 
was mostly engaged in repairing the place and 
settling up my aftairs in Park county, where I 
had moved from. On September 5th the An- 
nual conference met in Dayton, e'ight miles east 
of LaFayette. Bishop Edwards presided. 
This was a pleasant session, nearly all the mem- 
bers were present. All the work was done up 
with much brotherly kindness. My location 
was continued for another year, but I attended 
many Quarterly and protracted meetings. Oc- 
tober 31st started to Ohio. I had some ac- 
counts to collect. I preached some to my old 
friends in Ohio, and also had some appoint- 
ments on. tiie way, but there was nothing 
unusual. 

1851. During this winter I had some very 
interesting meetings. One near Logansport, 
at father Hower's, the other at the foils of Pipe 
creek. At the last named meeting there was 
a great work of grace. Many were brought in- 
to the church. The work of the Lord was much 



122 LIFE OF .JOHN fettp:i{hoff. 

revived. The last of March I sold my farm in 
Park county, and then commenced to make 
preparation to build a new mill. I worked 
hard during the week and preached on Sunday. 
In this respect I tried to follow the example of 
the apostle Paul. He said : " Neither did we 
eat any man's bread for nought ; but wrought 
with labor and travail night and day, that ''we 
might not be chargeable to any of you." And 
this he said he did to make himself an ensample 
to vs, to follow him.— (2 Thess. 3 : 8, 9 ; Acts 
20 : 34 ; 1 Cor. 4 : 12.) " For ye remember, 
brethren, our labor and travail : for laboring 
night and day, because we would not be charge"^ 
able to any of you, we preached unto you the 
gospel of God."— (1 Thess. 2: 9.) But we 
see Paul has but few followers now. No won- 
der they are called lazy preachers— blood-suck- 
ers, that sponge on the people. And no 
wonder that the church is shorn of her strength. 
Too many make merchandise of the gospel, "get 
high salaries and do but little work. The next 
conference met in Pipe creek chapel September 
4th, 1852. David Edwards presided. O how 
pleasant it is when brethren dwell together in 
unity. It is joy on earth when love and kind- 
ness is seen in the countenance. Sunday morn- 
ing love-feast was glorious, and after love-feast 



LIFE OF JOHN FETTERHOFF. 12H 

Bishop Edwards preached a soul-stirring seiQion 
on the suffering of Christ. At this conference 
I was elected presiding elder and placed on the 
South district. During this conference year 
we had the presence of the Lord at nearly 
every Quarterly meeting to convert and bless 
souls. The work of God was much revived, 
and many were added to the church, and young 
men, and some middle-aged, were called to the 
ministry. In the fall of 1852 I was elected to 
General conference and also a member of a 
board of trustees to build a meeting house in 
LaFayette. It all was against ni}' wish. 

General conference met May Dth, 1853, at 
Miltonville, Ohio. Forty-two members were 
present. At this conference there was much 
business done. There was a constitution fram- 
ed for the printing office, and the office moved 
from Circleville to Dayton ; and also a mission- 
ary board formed, and the doctrine of Depravi- 
ty defined, &c. After a session of thirteen 
days the conference adjourned in peace. I was 
a member of General conference when the law 
on temperance was passed in 1821, when the 
ordination of bishops and deacons was omitted 
in 1825, when the law on secrecy or against 
Freemasonry was passed in 1829, when the 
printing office was located in Circleville in 



124 , LIFE OF JOHN fettp:kiioff. 

I800, when the constitution of the church was 
formed ;ind a law to regulate the intinerac)' in 
1837, and, last, when the missionary board was 
formed and the constitution for the printing 
press, and it moved to Dayton, Ohio, in 1853. 
I then said that that should be the last General 
conference I would attend. So far I have been 
true to my Avord — now 1872. Some may wish 
to know why my mind was thus tixed. I an- 
swer, That too many are elected and sent there 
that say, " This is a j)rogressive CKje, and 
we must Iceep up whit the t'anes,'' and I hold 
that the reliofion of Christ is an unchancreable 
thing ; what it was in the days of Jesus Christ 
and his apostles it is now, and it always w'ill be 
the same till the end of the world. And I find 
that those wdio are so fond of keeping up with 
the times do not aim to pattern after Christ, 
but after the world, and court its friendship. 
This conference year was a success. The 
church was much revived and many added to 
her number. For my service this year I got 
151.00. 

1853. Conference met at Pleasant Plains, 
September 1st, Bisliop Davis in the chair. 
There was much peace and harmony and many 
were added to the conference, and new circuits 
were formed. I was again placed back on the 



LIFE OF JOHN FETTKiaiOFF. 125 

South district. This year the work of the 
Lord was much spread. We had some blessed 
revivals. One of the meetings that was attend- 
ed with much power was held at liojal Center. 
It had been a very wicked place, as most of 
the little towns are where there is no restraint 
b}^ law and force. During this year I w^as 
much afflicted with chronic diarrhea, but I at- 
tended to all my Quarterly meetings, and 
preached from two to three times at each. For 
this 3^ear's labor I received $70.00. I had 
plenty. The Lord provided. 

18.54. The next conference met at Lake 
chapel, 2 miles south of Kochester. Bishop 
Davis did not arrive until the second day. I 
was elected to preside in his place. All Avent 
oft* verj^ kindly and pleasantly, and its member- 
ship was increased. At this conference I felt 
much broke down. I then made this request 
that the}^ should not elect me presiding elder 
any more ; that I had now served fourteen years 
and that there were other brethren in confer- 
ence who could serve ; that I wished for a loca- 
tion or a small work where the travel would 
not be so hard. The conference favored me 
in this respect and gave me Frankfort station, 
about 15 miles from my home. At the close 
of this conference Bishop Davis got me to take 



126 LIFE OF JOHN FETTERHOFF. 

him in my buggy to the Auglaize conference 
upwards of 100 miles. We had bad roads, and 
a new country to pass through. We followed 
the Wabash river up to its head, which is a 
large, flat, swampy country, 6 miles wide and 
10 long. One day as we were passing over 
some rough logway, I proposed to walk and 
let him drive. I walked on ahead, Davis being 
back some five or ten rods. I heard him ex- 
claim, '' Come and get your horse !" The 
horse was standing and stamping, and Davis 
had dropped the lines and was fighting the 
yellow jackets. I told him to start the horse 
away, I would not go there to be stung. He 
spoke to the horse and he came to me. He 
then asked, *' Is this the way these insects do? 
One sat on my hand and humped itself up and 
kept biting away." I suppose he did not see 
many yellow jackets in college. 14th. We 
got to Wapachenata in the evening. I had been 
at this place 34 years ago when the Shawnej' 
Indians had their head-quarters here. At that 
time, 1820, there were but two white families 
here ; the one was a Quaker family to instruct 
the Indians. They had a school and a small 
.mill. The other family was to do the black- 
smithing. The government had both families 
employed to work for the Indians. Now, 1854, 



LIFE OF JOHN FETTEl{HOFF. 127 

the Indians are all gone, some are in the spirit 
world, others in the far west, and this place is 
the county seat of Allen county, Ohio. It is a 
beautiful place on the Auglaize river, and a 
rich, heavy timbered country around. 15th. 
Conference met for Auglaize district. There 
was a good turnout for a young conference. 
At the commencement of the conference I took 
sick with fever and vomiting. Two doctors 
from Wapachenata gave me medicine. I soon 
got better, but I was weak. 19th. Started 
home. I got a brother to go with me and 
drive my horse for me. We came through St. 
Mayris and then up by the Feederdam, as it is 
called, of the canal. It fthe dam) has put 
1200 acres of land under water, and the water 
looks as green as grass. The people for many 
miles around are sick with fever of some sort. 
It was hard to get lodging along this road. 
We came to a little town in the evening. We 
asked to stay, but they told us there was not a 
family in the place but what was more or less 
sick. We had to go back part of the way to 
get to stay, and even there were some sick, 
but they did the best they could for us. That 
night I was sick ; I had the dysentery, and had 
to be up often during the night. Had but lit- 
tle rest. The 20th we got near Marion, the 



128 LIFE OF JOHN fettp:i:hoff. 

county seat of Grant county, Indiana, ^y^: 
had traveled hard this day, mostly ncAv roads, 
in a new, heavy timbered country, and the road 
ful of stumps and roots and cross ways. 21st. 
I got home weak and fotigued and sick, with 
dysentery and bad cough. I was advised not 
to preach under three months. I then got Bro. 
Slonecher and Pervet to attend to my station 
at Frankfort. It had four appointments— Day- 
ton, Xewcomer chapel, Jefferson, and Frank- 
fort the county scat of Clinton county. I kept 
in a feeble state of health until cold weather set 
in, then I got better and went to work and 
held a protracted meeting in Frankfort. We 
had no society at this place, only a few mem- 
l)ers. This meeting was a good one. 3.1any 
were converted. Some of my old Methodist 
acquaintances helped us kindly. We organized 
a good class here of upwards of 20 niembers 
and afterward there was a meeting house built 
a mile north-west from town, at the cemetery. 
At tlie close of this year the station was in 
good working order. I got as salary $81. 

1855. The conference met in Xorth Man- 
chester, August 29th. Bishop Glossbrenner 
presided, and I was elected assistant. (This 
was very often done.) We had a peaceable 
session. Some of the ])rethren asked me 



LIFE OF JOHN FETTERHOFF. 121) 

whether I would preside if they would elect me. 
I told them nothing but a small work would I 
accept, been as my health was poor. They 
then appointed or rather elected me to serve as 
agent for Hartsville university. I made an 
effort to do something for it, but it was a 
strange work for me. I found I was out of 
place. I laid it down and preached as a local 
preacher. 

185G. Conference met at Deer creek cbapal, 
August 22nd. D. Edwards presided. This 
was one of the most unpleasant conferences we 
ever had in this district. It seemed that at its 
commencement they divided and opposed each 
other, almost in eveiy thing, throughout the 
session, and at last went away from the confer- 
ence room without prayer or dismissal. My 
feelings were much hurt, and Bishop Edwards 
was quite cast down ; but it seemed that no 
eftbrt to bring order would avail. I took a lo- 
cation, and during this year held many pro- 
tracted meetings, and assisted others in their 
meetings. The month of January was a fruit- 
ful month in the conversion of souls ; many souls 
were brought into the church. 

1857. The next conference met in Berrien, 
Berrien county, Michigan, September 15th, 
Bishop L. Davis in the chair. There were 



130 LIFE OF JOHN FETTEUHOFF. 

some received into the conference and joined 
the itmerac^s and new fields were added to the 
conference. This year my local relation to the 
conference was continued, but I labored nearly 
every Sabbath in preaching and attending many 
Quarterly and protracted meetings, and also 
spent much time at LaFayette, collecting mon- 
ey, and trying to finish the meeting house there. 
I have noAv spent near two thousand dollars on 
that house, and it is not finished yet, but it is 
now so far done that we can hold meeting in it. 
There are but few who take any interest in 
it. 

P. S. In the month of October, 1856, I lost 
my pocket book, with forty dollars money, and 
conference license to preach. At the confer- 
ence in Berrien, 1857, the conference proposed 
to give me license. To this I objected. It 
would not show my former relation to the 
church and conference. Therefore they gave 
to me the following, written b}^ myself and 
signed by Bishop Davis : On account of the 
unfortunate loss of my license in October, 1856, 
I give the following account of my conference 
relation in the church of the United Brethren in 
Christ : I obtained license to exhort at an An- 
nual conference held in the house of Valentine 
Daub, near Frederic, Md., (at that time ex- 



LIFE OF JOHN FKTTEIMIOFF. 131 

horters were licensed by Annual conference,) 
May 6th, 1<S19, signed Christian Newcomer and 
Zeller, bishops. From that conference I was 
transfeiTed to the Miami conference in Ohio. 
June 24th, 1820, I obtained license to preach 
at an Annual conference held in the house of 
Henry Kumler, Sen. This license was also 
signed by Christian Newcomer and Zeller. 
May 28th, 1821, I was ordained to the office of 
an elder at a conference held in Fairfield coun- 
ty, Ohio, license signed by Christian Newcom- 
er and Joseph Hofi^man, bishops. I was a 
member of the Miami conference 19 3'ears. I 
traveled a circuit 13 and presided 3 years, be- 
ing 16 years' labor as an itinerant. I received 
in all for service as an itinerant $610.55, aver- 
aging $38.16 per year. September 11th, 1838, 
I joined the Wabash conference . Was a member 
of that conference 7 years. Traveled a circuit 
one year, was on a mission one year, and pre- 
sided 5 years. Received in all for 7 years' 
labor $82.00, being $11.71 per year. Septem- 
ber 18th, 1845, I was taken into the St. Joseph 
conference. I have now been a member of this 
conference 12 years. Presided 5 years, was on 
a station one year, and agent one year, being 7 
years' labor as an itinerant. I received in all 
$387.00, being $59.56 per year. Total service : 



132 LIFJ: of .IOHX FETTEmiOFF. 

14 years presided, one year on a station, one 
year agent, 3 years missionary, 11 years on a 
circuit, being 30 years' itineracy. Recei^'ed iii 
all $1079.55, averaging not quite $36.00 per 
year. John Fettphihoff. 

This is to certify that the St. Joseph Annual 
conference of the church of the United Brethren 
in Christ receiv^e as true and reliable the fore- 
going statement of Bro. John Fetterhotf con- 
cerning his former and present standing in said 
church, and this certificate is given him in con- 
sequence and in lieu of his licenses, which were 
unhap})ily all lately lost. 

Signed L. Davis, bishop. 
F. L. FoKBS, Con. Sec. 

Conference room, Sep. 15, l^>57. 

N. B. This is to 'certify that Bro. John 
Fetterhoffis a properly accredited minister of 
the gospel in the church of the United 
Brethren in Christ. This certificate is given 
him in lieu of his licenses that were late- 
ly lost, and were dated as follows : Fxhort- 
er's license. May 6th, 1819, signed Christian 
Newcomer and Andrew Zeller, l)ishops ; preach- 
ing license, dated June 24th, 1820, signed 
Christian Newcomer and A. Zeller, bishops ; 
elder's or ordination license, May 28th, 1821, 



LIFE OF JOHN FETTKIJHOFF. lo-) 

signed C. Newcomer and Joseph Iloffnmn, 

bishops. 

L. Davls, bisho}). 

F. L. FoT^BS, Sec. 
Conference room, Sep. 15, 1857. 

N. B. The above is a true copy of the 
original. 

1858. -Conference met at Ivoanoke, Septem- 
ber 23rd. Davis presided, and I assisted. 
This was a pleasant, peaceable session. The 
number of ministers was much increased, and 
fields of labor added. Four appointments (con- 
taininof two classes) were taken out of the 
Miami circuit and called Pipe creek station, and 
given to me for my field of labor. Some of 
m}^ friends advised me not to take it, they 
thought it was a weak mission, and should not 
be called a self-sustaining station. But I went 
on depending on the Lord, and now I can say 
that, as a whole, it was one of the most pleas- 
ant years of my life. The old classes were 
much revived, and five new classes were form- 
ed. We had a })rotracted meeting at each 
place, and at all of them we witnessed the pow- 
er of God in the conversion of souls, and many 
were added to the church. At the close of the 
conference year I had seven good classes (the 
smallest had eleven members) and eleven 



134 LIFE OF .JOHN FETTEUHOFF. 

preaching places. The Lord worked so won- 
derfully among the people that it was a pleasure 
to meet Avith them. For my service this year 1 
got $152.50. This was the highest salary I 
ever got in one 3^ear. 

1859. Conference met at Laketon, Octo- 
ber Gth. Bishop L. Davis presided. Preach- 
ing had a very good impression on the 
people during this conference. Some souls 
were converted and the church at this place was 
much revived. Som.e men take pleasure in re- 
vilino^ their brethren behind their backs. At 
this conference there was much of this done by 
a few men ; but Ave notice their preaching is 
very lifeless — no power. At this conference I 
took a location, November 26th I went to 
Lagro, some upvrards of 70 miles up the rail- 
road, then four miles north out into the countrj^ 
to a school-house. It was said to be in the 
center of one of the most wicked places in the 
country ; no organized church of any kind ; old 
and young given alike to drinking and frolicing. 
I tried to preach to them on Saturday evening. 
The word preached had a good impression. 
Sunday the number of hearers was increased, 
and many were affected to tears. Sunday even- 
ing some prayed for mercy and found pardon 
in the blood of Jesus. I continued the meeting 



LIFE OF JOHN FETTEUUOFF. 135 

till next Sunday evening both in daytime and 
at nii>ht. The nieetino- was attended with such 
power that on the way home we could hear the 
shouts of young converts and cries of penitents 
afar off. In one week and one day seven per- 
sons were converted and l)rought into the 
church, the youngest of whom was in his forty- 
sixth ,year. and others older, and seventeen 
3^oung persons. 1 formed them into a class, 
then had the nearest circuit preacher to come 
and preach for them. So far as I could learn 
they all proved faithful. One of the old men 
took sick in about five months after. He was 
very happy. One morning he got up and went 
to a bench and prayed and got quite happy and 
shouted, and then got on his bed and soon ex- 
pired. His companion complained to me and 
said, " If he only had not got so happy he might 
be living yet." Some three years after another 
one of the old men died. He had been a drunk- 
ard before he was converted, and when on his 
death-bed he would say, " Thank God that he 
sent Fetterhoff here to preach to us ! If he 
had not come and preached to us I would now 
go to hell, ])ut as it is I will go to heaven.'' O 
young men, if God has called you to preach, 
hunt up such vast places. There are heathen 
settlements in a civilized country. I held ma- 



13() LIFE OF JOHN FETTEKHOFF. 

ny })rotiacted meetings, and helped others hold 
some during this conference year. One in Chil- 
ian's settlement January 28th, 1860. Fourteen 
professed to liave obtained pardon. One Quar- 
terly meeting 1 held in the room of the presid- 
ing elder at Deer creek, March 24th. At this 
meeting there was quite a stir. Some were 
converted, and eight baptized. I also attended 
a numljcr of other Quarterly meetings for the 
presiding elder, J. Bash. Sometimes he was 
sick, and at other times some of his famil}^ I 
let him have the collection and I took " thank 
you" for my pay. 

18(30. Conference met at Livengood's meet- 
ing house, 2 miles from Elkhart, September 
14th. J. Lawrence came in the room of Bish- 
op L. Davis. We had a peaceable session. 
All the business was done kindly so fiir as we 
could see. I had my location continued anoth- 
er year. There were more men who wanted to 
tra^xd than there were fields of labor and no 
missionar}^ mone}^ to open up new missions. 
This year I traveled much and far to see my 
friends of former years, and held some pro- 
tracted meetings among them, and seen some 
good done at some. I went to Park county 
where I formerly lived and preached to the 
people. I also attended a basket meeting there. 



LIVK OF JOHN FETTEIJHOFF. VM 

It WMS M great meeting to show line clothes and 
^erve up nice things in their baskets to eat, and 
the preaching Avas such that I said to one of 
their preachers it was cold enough to freeze a 
potato in August. There is such a thing as 
getting between Christ and the people instead 
of having Christ between the people and him- 
self. When a preacher thinks more of himself 
than he does of Christ he is no more lit to 
preach than Balaam was. If they can get the 
praise of men, fat places and high salaries, all is 
well with them, whether souls are saved or not. 
A pulpit display is what they are after. M}^ 
wife and I took a trip to the state of Ohio. 
We started the 19th of September, 1861, and 
got to my wife's brother, Joshua Null, Saturday 
21st. On Sunday I preached in town a mile 
off. We had some good feeling. They asked 
me to return that way and preach for them 
again. I left an appointment for the 1st Sun- 
day in October. 24th got to my wife's mother, 
near Jacksonburg, in Wa^aie county, Indiana. 
She is 70 years of age and very feeble and 
childish. She was worth not less than $12,000, 
A few weeks or months before we got there 
she deeded all to her youngest son, except 
three eighty acre lots that lay in Delaware 
county, wild in the woods. 



18S LIFE OF ,H)11N FFTTEiniOFF. 

2()th. Preached at New Hope. It wiis 
tliMiiksgiving-day. It had been appointed by 
the President. There were \m\uy people pres- 
ent, and some speeches after preaching. 

27th. We got to .Vdam Lees', near AVest 
Baltimore. My wife stayed here while I went 
to Dayton, Ohio, and returned. 

2i)th. Eleven o'clock 1 went to the First 
church. Ignited Brethren, and heard their 
preacher, or reader, read a long sermon of 
thirteen pages, and he is from Otterbein col- 
lege. AVhen the last page was read the sermon 
was out. He might read till doomsday and no 
soul would be stirred. O such surface work, 
like a cat licking a hot potato. Candle-light I 
was invited to preach in the Third church. In 
regard to the result I will here 2:ive what the 
editor of the lie] if/ions Telescope said : 

"Father John Fetterholi*, one of the oldest 
ministers in the West, preached in the Third 
United Brethren church, in this city, last Lord's 
day evening. He has an excellent voice, is a 
sweet singer, and his sermon was short, clear, 
evangelical, and stirring. AVe had a good 
meeting, thank the Lord. Bro. Shain, the new 
pastor of the Third church, (our successor,) 
is in the Spirit, and is well received. ]\Iay 
God be with him." 



LIFI-: (JF .lOlIX FKTTHKJK^FF. Kii* 

.*^()th. Got biick to my brother-in-law, Adam 
Lees', where my wife was. Preached in West 
Baltimore in the evening. 

October 1st. Preached in U[)heme to some 
of my old friends and fellow Christians with 
whom I have been acquainted upwards of forty 
years, and they ai-e yet happy in the Lord. 

ord. Preached at Sugar Cirove meeting 
house, Wayne county, Ind. There was a large 
congregation, and a soul-cheering time ; some 
got very happy. 

4th. Preached in Mt. Pleasant church. At 
this meeting some penitents came for prayer, 
and they were blessed in the pardon of their 
sins. 

5th. Got l)ack to XulFs, and on Sunday 1 
tilled my appointment, lliere was a good 
meeting. 

Dth. We got to my wife's sister, Adam Sur- 
face's, two and one-half miles from where the 
conference meets in Cass county, Ind. 

18G1. Conference met in Seven-mile church, 
Cass county, Ind., October 10th. jNlarkwood 
presided, and Henr}^ Kumler assisted. This 
conference is ^ettin;^ laroe. There was a <>ood 
attendance, and many young men, and some 
old men, received into conference. But it 
seems that the larger the conference g(As, the 



140 LIFE OF JOHN FETTEKHOFF 



more trouble Lincl sometimes hard feelings. If 
all were full of the love of God it would not be 
so. At this conference there was an effort 
made to have a college or high school of some 
kind built, at Bourbon, Ind., and they elected 
me as the foreman of the trustees. (I had op- 
posed the undertaking because I was of the 
opinion that it would involve the conference 
much, and then it would not be able to build a 
suitable house. This was all proven true.) I 
got up and told the conference that I had op- 
posed the undertaking, and that my mind had 
not changed, and as for me to work where I 
have no faith they should not ask it of me for 
I would not do it, therefore thev mioht as well 
receive my resignation and let some one else 
build a house without a foundation. They let 
me oif, and mostly put in such men who did 
not prosper in their own aflairs, and also made 
a stink of this. They cut off two of the weak- 
est classes from the Pike creek circuit, because 
they were poor and somewhat out of the way? 
and the preacher who was entered for that 
work did not want them. They called it a 
mission, but more properly Sheep's-tail. The 
sheep Avith the wool was intended for some- 
body else. I was requested to attend to this 
Sheep's-tail, or mission, been as there were 



1 



lifp: of .tohx fettehhoff. 141 

some good people there that had been convert- 
ed at some of my protracted meetings I held in 
those parts some years back. I went there. 
They made an appropriation of $20.00 to the 
mission, and asked $20.00. This made it even. 
I had only 8 miles of territory to branch out on, 
and that tilled with other churches. I took 
the work and did the best I could. I preached 
much for other churches. I might have suc- 
ceeded in getting some to leave their churches 
and join with us, and so spoil both and cause 
much prejudice and hatred. I had some ex- 
cellent protracted meetings. One at Yost's 
school-house. The members were much reviv- 
ed and a goodly number found peace with God, 
The class here was made strong. It was pleas- 
ant to be with them at their meetimrs. This 
year I enlarged the Avork to seven appoint- 
ments. For my service I got in" all $26.00, 
all told. 

During the spring of 18 01 I sold my mill 
propertj^ and took two farms in part pa}^ and 
bought property at LaFayette. It consisted of 
ten acres of out-lots to the town of LaFayette. 
I paid $4,000 for it, and in August, 1801, we 
moved there. (I gave m}^ son-in-law one-half; 
he moved into the house in the spring.) Here 
we have^a pleasant home in the outskirts of town. 



142 LIFE OF JOHX FETTEKHOFF. 

18()2. Conference met in Indian village Oc- 
tober 9th. Mark wood presided. There was a 
good attendance. My wife had gone with me 
to her sister Phehe. She is married to Rich- 
ard Roberts. She stayed here till I went to 
conference and came back. It was about 33 
miles farther. We had about 80 miles to her 
sister's. It was the last time she saw her. 
There was nothing special transpired at this 
conference. I was appointed to Pipe creek 
work again, but I did not find the circuit as I 
had left it three years ago. Some classes had 
been neglected ; they had Init two or three ser- 
mons in the year, and some no preaching at all. 
I found it harder work than when I first formed 
the work three years ago. On the 6th of No- 
vember I went around on the circuit and pub- 
lished appointments (there had none been left). 
I preached to the people and made one round 
on the circuit. On the 18th I started to make 
a second round. I got to a narrow stream of 
water and my horse seemed to want to drink. 
It rained some. I Sfot out of the buofo^y and 
«fot on the shaft and reached forward and let 
down the rein ; he on a sudden started up the 
bank and I slipped off the shaft and fell behind 
him, and in falling I caught hold of the har- 
ness and huns: by it. He drasfored me some 



LIFE OF JOHN FETTEKHOFF. 143 

«ix or eight rods, and every jump he made he 
would strike his heels and feet into my face or 
breast. Finally I was struck senseless and let 
go. He ran but a few rods more up against a 
fence and stood still till I got up. I went to 
the creek and washed myself. My face was 
bloody and much cut, my clothes muddy, and 
one or two ribs broke. With difficulty I got 
on my buggy and went to my brother-in-law's, 
Adam Surface, and laid down. But when I 
was down I could not get up myself; but when 
up I could walk about with care. Here I stay- 
ed until the 21st. I then said I could stay no 
longer ; that I must go home ; that there is 
something wrong there, but what I know not : 
but they prevailed on me to stay. After din- 
ner I got so uneasy in my mind that I would 
stay no longer. I started and went slowly. I 
got but three miles, then stopped for the night. 
The next day I went eight miles. That night 
I was much disturbed in dreams. The next 
morning (Sunday) I wanted to go on, but my 
appointment was in their school-house to preach 
at 11 o'clock. They wanted me to stay. I 
told them that if I stayed I could not preach, 
and that I had spoken to a local preacher to 
fill the appointment, hence it was not necessa- 
ry for me to stay. But they insisted so hard 



144 LIFE (>F .JOHN FF>TTERHOFF. 

that I did stay for meeting, but with much un- 
easiness of mind. After meeting I was in^•ited 
to take dinner. I told them I could not, that 
I must go on. A brother said that dinner 
would be ready at his house by the time I 
would get there, (it being on my way,) I 
should stop, eat and have my horse fed, and 
then I could go on. I agreed to that. When 
I got there 1 said that I felt so impressed in 
my mind to go on that I could not stop. I 
went on about one mile due south, then struck 
a road that led due east and Avest. My way 
would have been to take w^est, but I got it im- 
pressed on my mind to go east to the Michigan 
road, two miles east. Why I had this impres- 
sion I could not then tell. I stopped so long 
that a man came from his house some lifteen or 
twenty rods and asked me what was the matter. 
I said to him I did not know which way to go. 
He then asked me where 1 Avanted to go. I 
said, ^' To LaFay ette." He told me to go 
west. I said 1 knew the road, that I had trav- 
eled it often, but that I felt it impressed on my 
mind to go east to the ^Michigan road but could 
not tell Avhy. While talking I pulled the line : 
the horse started east: I got to the road, and 
did not go far on said road till I met a young 
man, and as I met him I said, *' Why John, is 



LIFE OF JOHN FETTKKHOFF. 145 

this you?" He answered, '^ \Vs : and I am aft- 
er you. Your wife is not exi)oeted to live ; it 
may be she is dead now." I asked him what 
was the matter. He said, '' Yesterday evening 
she had a stroke of palsy, which was followed 
with epileptic fits, and the doctor said there 
was no help." The whole secret of my strange 
feelings and impressions were now explained. 
Had I been five minutes sooner, or ten minutes 
later, or went the other road, I would have 
missed the messenger, and he would not have 
found me at all, and I would not have got home 
till Monday evening, if then. Now it is four 
o'clock, and I am 34 miles from home, and 
badly hurt, have bad roads and no moonli<rht. 
I got a few ears of corn for my horse ; (he had 
nothing to eat since morning;) I tried to eat a 
piece of bread ; we then started and went on till 
about six o'clock, when very strange feelino-s 
came over me, such as I never had before, and 
a kind of light shone around me, and a voice 
said, " It is all over now ; she is gone I" I do 
believe that if we lived more closely to God we 
would be led by his Spirit and angels all the 
way until we would sit down in the kingdom of 
glory without ever taking a by-path. But oh, 
how selfish we are. We too often think we 
know best and take our own way. When it 



14f> LIFE OF JOHN FETTEEHOFF. 

got dark I bought a lantern, and got the young 
man to carry it before me. At half-past two 
o'clock in the morning we got home. My 
children w^ere all there, and many of the neigh- 
bors, and Elizabeth was dead. I asked when 
she died. They said, " In the evening, about 
six o'clock." Thus I found it was the same 
time I had the strange feelings, the light, and 
voice, " All is over now." I asked myself the 
question, Is it possible that she was brought 
by the angels past the place where I was 
to greet me while on their way to glory ? They 
had made arrangement to bury her that day. 
I said that she could not be buried until the 
next day. I then wished and prayed for some 
one of the old brethren to be there, w^th whom 
I had been acquainted in former years. Strange 
as it was Henry Kumler had a protracted meet- 
ing at Danville, 111., 52 miles off. He said 
that on Monday evening after the meeting was 
dismissed he felt impressed that he should 
come to see me. He at once took the cars, and 
the next morning by four o'clock he got to my 
house. O how strange God will lead his peo- 
ple if they will but follow the impressions he 
makes. He preached my w^ife's funeral, and 
stayed with me some days until I got better of 
my hurt. I then went with him to David and 



LIFK OF -JOHN FETTEIMIOFF. 147 

William Brown's and on Sunday he dedicated 
their new church, and the Lord was with us 
and blessed us. I got a man to take my circuit 
until the first Quarterly meeting, or till I got 
able. The brethren prevailed on me to stay at 
home and help Bro. Hadly hold a protracted 
meeting (he was young, had but little experi- 
ence, and very weakly). I consented and stay- 
ed. We continued the meeting five weeks. 
One week D. Edwards preached for us. Hadly 
preached twice in the five weeks, and the bal- 
ance of the preaching I did. Many souls were 
converted. 33 joined the church. 

January 13th. I went to my circuit and at- 
tended to it till the end of the year. I labored 
hard this year, and always found it hard work 
to effect much among classes that once had been 
in good condition and afterward broke down. 
I held many protracted meetings during the 
winter. We had some good revivals. Some 
of the old classes were built up again, and some 
two or three new ones formed, and one o-ood 
meeting house built. At the end of the year 
the circuit was in a crood condition agfain. For 
this year's labor I received $153.00. This was 
the highest salar}^ I ever got in one year. The 
years of my labor as an itinerant are as follows : 

Traveled a circuit 15 years, presided on a dis- 



148 1>!FE OF .lOHN FETJ EKHOFF. 

trict 14 years, on a station one year, a mission- 
ary '1 years, agent for Plartsville one year; 
being in all 33 years. The sum total I received 
while traveling was $1310.00, being $39. G9 2-3 
per year. 

18()3. Conference met in LjiFayette, Octo- 
ber Kith. Mark wood presided. The confer- 
ence was held in the Ninth street Methodist 
church. Our church that had cost me so much 
money, time and labor, was burnt down a few- 
weeks ])efore through the carelessness of a 
young girl. The family lived in the basement. 
She tilled the stove with dry coopers shavings, 
and put lire to them. This set the flue on tire 
and then the roof, and soon all was in flames. 
There was nothing saved only the books, chairs 
and a few benches. At this conference there 
was much friendship manifested to us by the 
Methodist brethren. At this conference there 
Avere so nvAwy that wanted to travel that the^^ 
could not all get work. 1 there asked for a 
permanent location never to take a circuit any 
more in this conference. I thought I could do 
more good by holding protracted meetings 
Avhere they were most needed. I made the ef- 
fort and found it to be true. During this year 
I was an eye-witness to more conversions than 
J had seen in a long time before. One meeting 



LIFE OF .lOHN FETTEKHOFF. 149 

5n the neighborhood where my hoys live was 
tittended with much of God's converting power. 
It was protracted about three weeks. 44 were 
brought into the church. Two of my sons and 
their wives, and one granddaughter. Some 
were converted on their way home. The meet- 
ing often continued till ten o'clock, sometimes 
till tw-elve, in the night ; then they would take 
some of the mourners and start homeward, and 
often would sing, then stop on the road and 
have a prayer meeting that would last an hour 
or more, and shout with all their powder ; then 
the next day come back happy in the Lord. 
This meeting was held in December, 1863. In 
Jtmuary I held one meeting at Frankfort. Ma- 
ny were blessed in the pardon of their sins. 
Diuring this conference yenv I preached much, 
imd about 120 w^ere added to the church. 

1864. The next conference met in Simon's 
neighborhood, September 16th. Bishop Mark- 
w^ood presided. This conference was much 
disturbed wdth an underhanded, deceitful spir- 
it. Some had joined the Masons, some the 
Odd Fellows, and^ they had friends to help 
them to keep it smuggled, and also tried hard 
to injure the character of others without a 
€ause, because the election for delegates to 
Oenei-;d conference was soon to take place. I 



loO LIFE OF .JOHN FETTEKHOFF. 

told them to leave my name off, and relieve 
some of trouble. 

October 12th. I started for Iowa, loth I 
passed through Musketine. In the evening got 
to Washington. The East Desmoines confer- 
ence meets here to-morrow. This is a beauti- 
ful place, tine country, and very wealthy, and 
the people very kind. Here I met many of my 
old and former acquaintances ; some of the 
preachers with whom I was acquainted in the 
days of our boyhood, and some I had taken into 
the church. It was truly pleasant to meet with 
them and speak of the goodness of God in form- 
er years. The conference session at this place 
was very pleasant. Mark wood presided. We 
had a very good state of feeling throughout. 
Preaching had a good impression. During con- 
ference I spoke three times. From this place 
I went to Mount Pleasant, the county seat of 
Henry county. This is a delightful place. 
The State asylum is here. It is said that it is 
the best, the largest and most costly building 
in the state. The County poorhouse also is 
near this place. My brother-in-law, Samuel 
Null, has charge of the poorhouse. The poor 
esteem him highl3% and he has them under good 
command. I stayed at this place upwards of 
two weeks. I preached for the poor. It made 



LIFE OF JOHN FETTEKHOFF. 151 

quite Jin impression on tliem. I do think that 
each state l)}^ hivv ought to make provision to 
have the gospel preached to their i)oor (Christ 
said they should have the gospel preached) as 
well as to the convicts .ut or in the penitentiary. 
Preaching might do the poor as much if not 
more good than the convicts. While I was at 
this place I heard a good deal of preaching, and 
more reading than preaching. The best sermon 
I heard was delivered by a very dark African. 
There was syst^em, sound sense and power com- 
bined. He aimed more at the heart than at the 
head. 

November 3rd. Started homeward, crossed 
the Mississippi at Burlington, then run up to 
Mandota ; got there at 11 o'clock in the night, 
and had to wait till the next day at one o'clock 
for a change of cars. O how tiresome it is to 
wait. Started at one o'clock, P. M., and got 
to Bloomington at four. I wanted to go to my 
brother-in-law, Jones Fry. Pie lives 12 miles 
out north-west from town. I met a country 
team in town. The man said he was living in 
that direction and was acquainted with Fry, 
and he would take me there. I went on his 
spring wagon and arrived at Fry's before they 
had gone to bed. Fry asked his neighbor to 
stay over night. He consented. He had his 



152 LIFE OF JOHX FETTEKHOFF. 

supi)er and bie.-ikfast, hii bed, and two, horsef< 
fed. Fry did not eharge him at all, but he 
charged me $2 to bring me along to his house. 
On Sunday the (ith I preached to a good con- 
irrenation. It was an interestino- meetinor. 
Some got xvvy happy. This is the most de- 
lightful country [ have yet seen. The land is 
rich, nicel\- ruling, well improved. Fry owns 
many farms, well improved with good build- 
ings. And on Monday the 7th he Avent to 
Bloomington and bought six hundred and forty 
acres more at slO per acre, and paid the cash. 
He thinks he can buy that much every year. 

7th. I vrent down to Decatur. Here I 
found some people to whom I preached in the 
days of my boyhood. They gave their hearts 
to God then and are still on their way to glory. 

8th. Staged with my old and well-tried 
friend, Brown. 

Dth. Started homeward. I got home the 
10th and found all Aveil, having been absent 
some o^er one month, and traveled over 1500 
miles by railroad. Fare $3(). 

1865. January, February and March. Dur- 
ing these months I held and helped others to 
hold many protracted meetings, and by the last 
of March 166 had joined church at the difl'erent 
meetings I held and helped to hold. 



lAVK f)F JOHN' fettf:kih)ff. IT);* 

A [nil 14th. Henry Kiuiiler came to my 
house. On the l;5th I went with him and Wm. 
Brown to Danville, 111., to hold a Quarterly 
meetinii" amons: the German conferences. We 
had a pleasant time. O how delightful they 
can sing, and ftrll of the Spirit of God. I left 
an appointment for the 20th and 21st. Joseph 
Keller came from Pennsylvania. He went with 
me to Danville. I preached four times to them. 
We had a good meeting. On Monday we re- 
turned. Tuesday we went out to Brown's. 
He wanted to see the grand prairie. At this 
time my mind was in deep gloom. My son-in- 
law got me to buy his claim he had on our 
house and lots and help him to a farm. To this 
I agreed, not thinking that he would then move 
to his farm and leave me here alone. Joseph 
Keller asked me to go with him to Pennsylva- 
nia. My daughter and son-in-law also advised 
me to go. 

2r)th. We started on the Wabash and Tole- 
do road to Fort Wayne, then took the Pittsburg 
road. We srot to Lawrence that nio^ht at 11 
o'clock, and stopped oif. The next day we 
went to Fulton to see some of our relations. 
We stayed here until Monday. I preached to 
the people at this place twice on Sunday. 
There are some good Christians here. Monday 



ir)4 LIFE OF JOHN FETTEKHOFF. 

we started on and oot to Chanibersburo: to Bro. 
Keller's home. Here I was well acquainted 
when a bo}^ but now it is a strange place. 
The heart of the town was ])urnt down by the 
rebels, and not much re])uilt yet, and the peo- 
ple strange. I did not know my first cousins 
nor did they know me. An absence of 42 years 
brings a great change in a country, and also in 
the people. I felt lonely. For some time I 
traveled about some to see what friends I had 
that were yet alive. I found them much scat- 
tered. One sister and most of her children in 
Adams county, 7 miles below Gettysburg. I 
tried to see all I conveniently could, and also 
preached to them. 

June 4th. I preached in Chambersburg. 
The oth I went to Kocky Spring and had a 
pleasant time with father Samuel Huber. He 
was one of the first United Brethren ministers 
in this country. He was a zealous, fearless, 
unassuming minister of the gospel. He made 
a mark wherever he went. The fruits of his 
ministry were beyond what is common. He 
labored with his hands to support himself and 
family, so that he was not chargeable unto oth- 
ers. In this respect he was a true follower of 
Paul, although he labored more in the ministry 
than what is common for an itinerant to do in 



LIFE OF .TOHX FETTEliHOFF. 155 

these cUiys. Most of them care more for the 
fleece than for the flock. When such men as 
Bros. Huber and Funkhouser are taken away 
by death, much light is taken away from the 
church. It leaves a dark spot that can not ea- 
sily be lighted up. 

10th. Went to see cousin George Fetterhoff*. 

11th. Preached twice. We had a blessed 
time together. Nearly all my kindred in this 
neighborhood are religious and warm Chris- 
tians. 

12th. George and I went to Gett^^sburg, 
then to my sister's son, Elias Sponseler. The 
next day to my oldest sister. I had not seen 
her for upwards of 40 years. She is much af- 
flicted, and has been blind 18 years. Her 
memory is truly great, not only of things of 
former years, but also of things as they now ac- 
crue. When she was told by her daughter that 
I was there, although she could not see me, 
she was much overpowered with joy, even to 
tears. I asked her what her prospect was 
about death and eternity. She answered very 
promptly, '* All is right! I long to go. I do 
not know why God leaves me here so long ; 
I am only trouble to others, and this world has 
no pleasure for me." 

16th. We took a view of the battle ground. 



15G LIFE OF .70TIN FETTEUMOFF. 

Colj)'8 hill and round top. The marks of this 
battle Avill be seen for years to come. Much of 
the timber has been so greatly injured with 
bullets that what is not dead now will die. 
The remains of old clothing, knapsacks, haver- 
sacks, &c., were much scatt-3red over the 
ground, and also some human bones that had 
not been buried deep enough and by and by 
were dug out. I asked those who had charge 
of the cemetery whether they knew^ how many 
were killed in that battle. They said, " Yes ; 
there were five thousand and sixty union men 
killed, and between six and seven thousand 
rebels." 

18th. Preached in the Salem church, near 
Rocky Spring; in the forenoon English, and in 
the afternoon German. Spent a few^ days with 
Bros. Huber and Funkhouser. They advised 
me to get a housekeeper. Huber said that 
he had tried the widower's life and that it was 
a lonely life to live for an old man. I said that 
I knew of no one that ^vould suit. A young 
girl I would not have : an old woman that 
could not take care of herself I did not want ; 
and a widow with children w\-is no use to talk 
about, for I would not be step-father to any 
man's children ; that I had seen too nmch 
trouble from that source. They said the\' 



LIFE OF JOHN FETTEKTIOFF. 157 

knew one that would suit, and that they did 
not think there was a better woman to be 
found. Bro. Funkhouser gave her word, and 
she met me in Chambersburg the 22nd and we 
talked about this matter, and agreed to make 
it a subject of prayer, and honestly lay the case 
before God, that if it was right for us to get 
married, to let it be so ; if not, to liinder it. 
Some days after we met again, and concluded 
to get married the 4th of July at six o'clock in 
the evening. 

July 2nd. Preached in St. Thomas at ten, 
and at four o'clock in the house of Samuel Ru- 
ber . We had a lively meeting at both places ; 
there was much rejoicing in the Lord, and ma- 
ny to hear the stranger from the west. 

ord. Monday. Stayed with Bro. Huber. 
Tuesday, the 4th, I cradled wheat for Bro. 
Funkhouser. In the evenins^ we went to 
Greenvillage and he, Funkhouser, married 
SusanuM Monn and myself. We visited her 
brethren and sisters this week, and on Sunday, 
the i)th, preached my farewell at Salem church 
to a crowded congregation ; and also by their 
request I preached again at four o'clock in the 
afternoon. 

July 12th. We started from Chambersburg 
for my old home and my wife's new home at 



158 LIFE OF JOHN FETTEKHOFF. 

LaFayette, Ind. The 15tli, IGth and 17th we 
stopped at John Oyler's and Yost's. There 
was much rain and we could have no meeting. 
The 18th we went to Springfield to Susanna's 
uncle, Jacob Walter. They seemed to be much 
pleased to see us. 

19th. This day we got home and found all 
well, after an absence of eight weeks. My 
children received us kindly and in good spirits. 
So far they are well pleased with their step- 
mother. 

23rd. Preached at Mount Pleasant church 
for the Methodists. Many had been converted 
at this place last winter at a protracted meeting 
I helped to hold. Sixty-three had joined. It 
is very pleasant to meet with those young con- 
verts after an absence of some months. 

24th. Got home, and this week made my 
hay, between rains. Much hay and grain is be- 
ing spoiled. 

September 5th. Wife and I went to Monon 
Mills to help Bro. Webster hold a basket meet- 
ing. We had a good meeting, but the weather 
w^as warm and the mosquitoes were very bad. 
They kept up constant music for us all night, 
and were very fond of our blood. 

12th. Francedville. Basket meeting. Bish- 
op Mark wood was present. This meeting was 



LIFE OF JOHN FETTEKHOFF. 159 

well attended, but it was dark and dull ; no 
life of God manifested. O w^hat poor creatures 
we are if alone. 

26th. Went to Whistlers. The 27th I 
preached twice to the people. In the afternoon 
we had a time of rejoicing. 

October 4th. Conference met at Galveston ; 
Bishop Weaver in the chair. It being sickly 
this fall many of the members were absent, and 
some that were present were not well. From 
appearances we have to believe that the spirit 
of brotherl}^ kindness and esteeming others 
higher than themselves has failed much in this 
conference, but pride, self-conceit, the love of 
honor, money and ease stick out like jacks' 
ears. At this conference I settled up the en- 
tire concern of the Benevolent fund, and then 
resigned. I had been treasurer ever since this 
conference was in being. I then left the con- 
ference in peace, not expecting to meet with 
them in another session. 

November 26th. The new church at LaFay- 
ette w^as dedicated by Bishop Markwood. 
Mark wood and wife stayed with us until Friday, 
making in all one week. He preached for us 
every evening, but there were no converts. 
He was much afflicted with the g^out. 

1866. February. During this entire month 



160 LIFE (W .)OH\ FE'J TEHHOFF. 

we kept up a meetino^ at LaFayette. It was 
an interesting time. Many were truly convert- 
ed, but still more joined the church. Some 
upwards of 60 were received into church fellow- 
ship, but few proved faithful. 

May 23rd. We started to see some of our 
friends above Logansport. The 2()th we got to 
Adam Surface's. We stayed here until Tues- 
day. It rained every day while we were here. 

29th. Went to Walton to see some of 
Susanna's school-mates, the Stough's. We 
found them well. We had extremely bad and 
dangerous roads. So much water that cross 
waying and logs and low bridges Avere afloat. 
We ffot to John Zin's that evenino-. 

30th. We got home safe without accident, 
except one spring broke in the buggy. 

July 19th. We went to Livingston count}^ 
111., to see my sister. She is married to John 
Hoobler. We got there on Saturday. On 
Sunday I preached in their church. This is a 
beautiful country. There is of the best of land 
here, but timber is scarce. Got home the 
26th. 

August 5th. Brother D. Funkhouser, nn^ 
wife and I, went to the battle ground to a 
Quarterly meeting. Brother Hamilton presid- 
ed. He preached a warm Holy Ghost sermon. 



I 



LIFE OF JOHN FETTEKHOFF. 1 ()1 

The meeting throughout was soul-cheering. 

11th. Funkhouser and I went to Wm. 
Brown's. It is pleasant to meet old tried 
friends. 

12th. Had meeting in Otterbein chapel. It 
rained. There were but few people and not 
much meetino^. 

loth. My wife and I started with Funk- 
houser for Pennsylvania. We went by Indian, 
Columbus, Pittsburg and Ilarrisburg. 

17th. Got to Greenvillage to mother-in-law. 

21st. Bro. Funkhouser took us to a camp 
meeting at the foot of North mountain. This 
meeting was much disturbed with rain, but 
there was good done, some nine converted and 
the church much revived. The old brethren, 
S. Huber, J. Erb and Altman were present. 

25th. Camp meeting broke. ]My wife and 
I went to Chambersburg. 

26th. Sunday. Preached twice in the Uni- 
ted Brethren church. The presence of the 
Lord was powerfully felt. Some wept aloud, 
and others shouted for joy. It is pleasant to 
be at meeting w^hen Christ is present and ten- 
ders the hearts of the people. 

28th. Went to a camp meeting on my wife's 
brother's land, some 9 miles south-west from 
Chambersburo^. This meetino^ was not as 2"ood 



102 LIFE OF JOHN FETTERHOFF. 

and powerful in the conversion of souls as the 
other was. There was too great a crowd of 
people. It was hard to get enough to eat. 
There was not much provision for sisters and 
brethren that had come from a distance, and 
some of the preachers had to take care of them- 
selves. Paul's admonition, '' Be not forgetful 
to entertain strangers," — (Heb. 13 : 2,) was 
forgotten or disregarded. But so it is. We 
sometimes respect our convenience more than 
we do the admonition of Paul or of Jesus 
Christ. 

September 2nd. Was at Chambersburg. 
Quarterly meeting. Bishop J. J. Glossbrenner 
preached twice, forenoon and evening. This 
meeting was rather dull. It may be that the 
people looked more to the bishop to bless them 
than they did to Jesus. When preachers do 
bless the people it is seldom more than skin- 
deep. 

7th. Went to see dear Bro. Funkhouser. 
He is sick ; he is very feeble, but pleasantly re- 
signed to the will of God. When life or death 
are equally welcome, then there is a heavenly 
calmness within. 

9th. Preached in the Salem church at ten, 
and at four o'clock had class meeting. This 
was a blessed day to my soul, and many others 



LIFE OF JOHN FETTERHOFF. 163 

enjoyed the meeting much. We spent part of 
this week with father Samuel Huber. It is 
soul-cheering and instructing to hear him tell 
of the days of the old fathers of the church — of 
their honest, child-like, simple way of conduct- 
ing their meetings, and their form of worship, 
and the power of God that was manifested in 
the conversion of sinners, and the change that 
was then wrought on the converts, both inside 
and outside ; their conversation, their dress, 
yes all did show that they belonged to Jesus 
and were on their way to heaven. 

16th. Preached in Fetterhoffs chapel at 10, 
at Possum hill at half-past 2, and at Quincy in 
the evening. We had good congregations at 
each place, but there was nothing special. In 
the evening at Quincy there was a good state 
of feeling. 

19th. Went to Adams county to see my 
sister Elizabeth once more. We found them 
all well, except her. She has failed much in 
18 months — in strength, in memory, and also 
in hearing. 

21st. Went to Waynesboro. We had much 
rain this day. We got wet. Stopped with m}' 
\nfe's uncle, John Walter. 

22nd. Saturday. Preached at Bluerock. 
Six or eight came forward for prayer. Some 



164 LIFE OF JOHN FETTEKHOFF. 

two or three were blessed in the pardon of their 
sins. 

23rd. Preached at Funkstown at 10 o'clock, 
A. M., and at FetterhofTs chapel in the after- 
noon. This week we visited sonae more of the 
friends — uncle Gillen and Levi Oyler, and on 
Saturday, 29th, we went back to George Fet- 
terhofl^s and I preached at candle-light, and 
tw^ice on Sunday, 30th. There was a good state 
of feeling. 

October 2nd. We w^ent to John Monn's, 
Ebersole's and Stoufer's, Susanna's brothers and 
sisters. 

4th and 5th we spent with my old favorite 
friend, Samuel Huber. It is pleasant to sit at 
the feet of Gamaliel. 

7 th. Preached at Salem. Old Bro. J. 
llussel was present and closed with a short ex- 
hortation. There were many people present ; 
some from Chambersburg ; and the Lord Jesus 
also was with us. Kussel, myself and others 
went to fiither S. Ruber's and took dinner, and 
had prayer together, and we could say in the 
language of Paul, " And hath raise4 us up to- 
gether, and made us sit together in- heavenly 
places in Christ Jesus. "^(Eph. 2:6.) In 
the evening we Avent to Greenvjllage. Spent 



LIFE OF JOHX FETTERHOFF. 165 

the 8th here with mother-in-law. Some of the 
friends came to see us. 

10th. Started for our home in the west. 
We got along very pleasantly and arrived home 
the 11th, at 8 o'clock, P. M. 

November 3rd. Quarterly meeting in La- 
Fayette. During this meeting there was much 
more pains taken to get money from the people 
than to save their souls. ('* Greedy of filthy 
lucre.") During this month I had meeting at 
different places through the country. 

17th and 18th at Brown's. 

December 7th. Went to Danville, 111., to 
hold a Quarterly meeting in the room of the 
presiding elder. 

13th. Went to Covington to hold a Quarter- 
ly meeting there. At both these meetings we 
had the presence of the Lord with us, especial- 
ly at Danville. Many of these Germans are 
filled with the Holy Ghost. It is pleasant to be 
with them. 

1867. January and February we attended 
meeting on Sundays here in town. There w^as 
nothing of any note. 

March 2nd we went to Danville to hold a 
two days' meeting. We had a joyful time 
among the Germans. They are a devoted peo- 
ple to God and his cause. They come up to 



166 LIFE OF JOHN FETTERHOFF. 

Paul's admonition, ** Rejoice evermore." 

11th. I went to Cincinnati and called on my 
old friend, Samuel Flickinger. He said to me, 
'' Upwards of thirty years ago I heard you 
preach at Indian creek camp meeting, and such 
a power took hold of me that I cried for mercy, 
and thank the Lord he heard my prayer, par- 
doned my sins, set my soul free, and I was made 
unspeakable happy, and the Lord Jesus has 
been with me ever since. I remember your 
sermon well, it is fresh in my mind." 

12th. Went 12 miles to Dry Ridge to a 
German ministerial association. We stayed 
here two days. Many points of theology were 
investigated, and there were some disputations, 
but all in brotherly kindness. 

14th. Walked 6 miles to Pleasant Ridge. 
The mud was too deep for wagons. We went 
along fences and through fields, and in many 
places had soft and very tiresome walking. 

15lh. German Annual conference met in 
session at this place. D. Edwards presided ; 
Kumler assisted. This was truly a pleasant 
session. There was much brotherly kindness 
manifested. The most of the Germans when 
they give their hearts to God in the conversion 
of their souls are changed inside and outside ; 
they are truly new creatures ; old things are 



I.IFE OF JOHN FETTEKHOFF. 167 

passed away and all things are made new, there- 
fore the life they now live they live in Christ 
Jesus. As I received a transfer from the St. 
Joseph conference at its last session I handed it 
into this conference, and now am a member of 
the Ohio German conference, U. B. in 
Christ. 

oOth. Wife and 1 went to Danville. Preach- 
ed twice to them on Sunday. There was a 
joyful time. 

June 15th. Sold my property here at La- 
Fay ette, and now contemplate moving- to 
Pennsylvania. 

July 4th. John Hoobler and my sister Peg- 
gy came to see us, and on Saturday, 6th, my 
wife and I went with them to see my children 
in Carroll county, and on Sunday J. Hoobler 
preached for us in the Poplar chapel. It is 
pleasant when friends meet together on earth, 
but it must be far more so to meet in heaven 
where all sorrow and care is forever vanished 
away. 

11th. Hoobler's started for their home in 
Livingston county, Illinois. 

21st. Quarterly meeting in town (LaFay- 
ette). J. Hershey presided. It was a dark, 
dull time. It is the Spirit that giveth life. 
Bro. N. Castle also was here as agent to beg 



168 LIFE OF JOHN FETTERHOFF. 

money for the Ijourbon school, but it is of no 
more use than to beg food for a dead cow that 
has never yet got on her feet, if she has any. 

27th. ^^'ent to a Basket meetino^ at AVea- 
vers school-house. Saturday there was a slim 
turnout — no meeting. Sunday the 28th there 
was a great turnout ; the grove was crowded. 
J. Orren preached at 11 ; I preached at 3. So 
far as we could see there was not much «:ood 
effected. 

August 4th. We went to Brown's. At 11 
o'clock I preached in the Pond Grove meeting 
house. Bro. Wm. Brown spoke with much 
feeling after me. The light and fire that was 
kindled in his heart in the days of his boyhood 
has not oot dim nor his heart o^ot cold. True 
religion changes not. It is like God — always 
the same. Love to God, love to man, and love 
to his cause sets all on fire for heaven and 
glory. 

18th. Basket meeting at Dawney's school- 
house. We had a good meeting here ; two 
joined church. 

September 1st. Held Quarterly meeting in 
Covington. This is a hard place. The people 
love beer too well. 

10th. Went to Decatur, 111., to the Illinois 
conference. It met in Garver's meeting house. 



LIFP: of JOHX Ff:TTEIJHOP'F. 1<)1> 

yeven miles north-east from Decatur. Confer- 
ence met the 11th. Weaver presided. There 
was a good attendance. Peace and brotherly 
kindness dwells richly among these brethren. 
A goodly number of them received their first 
license to preach, signed by me ; some in Ohio 
and others in Indiana. Some are very strong 
men in the ministry, full of light and salt. We 
had a jo^^ful time together. Some of them re- 
minded me of the time and place where they 
first heard me preach, and of the effect it then 
had on their minds. Some of the scenes they 
named had passed from my mind. But if we 
live for God until death removes us from time, 
and we all meet in heaven, we will have more 
time than we have here to speak of the goodness 
of God in brino^ino^ us into his favor throus^h 
Jesus Christ, and into fellowship one with 
another. 

16th. This day I got home from Illinois 
conference. My wife and I enjoy good health, 
and from this on we will be kept very bus}^ in 
fixing up to move. 

18th. Baker and his wife came to see us. 
They were old acquaintances of Susanna's in 
Pennsylvania. 

19th. My sons and their wives also came to 
see us and help us fix up. 



170 LIFE OF JOHN FETTEKHOFF. 

20th. This day I sold twenty-seven dollars' 
worth of sweet potatoes. In all I sold forty- 
three dollars' worth. 

October 5th. Saturday. We went to Geo. 
Upp's land. Heard Lydia Sexton preach in 
the school. Sunday the (Uh she preached 
again at 11 o'clock. She is a warm-hearted 
speaker, and a great revivalist. She has trav- 
eled extensively and has held many protracted 
meetings, and at nearly all of them had great 
success. Great has been the fruit of her labor. 
She has taken hundreds of souls into the 
church. 

9th. This day we had our sale. Property 
did not bring half its true worth. A ten-dol- 
lar bedstead sold for fifty cents, and other 
things in proportion. 

10th. Packed up what I had reserved and 
took it to the depot to send east . to Chambers- 
burg, Pa. And this day my old, well-tried 
friend and Bro., Wm. Brown, came to see us. 
It was hard for us to part. When he gave me 
the parting hand he said, '* We have been 
Avarm friends for upwards of forty years, and 
that without a broken link. We parted in true 
brotherly friendship, never to see each other 
any more in this world. In about seven 
months after this he died. April the 22nd, 



LIFE OF JOHN FETTERHOFF. 171 

18(38, he wrote his last to me as follows : 

Dear Brother and Sister Fetterhoff : — 
From all that w^e know now this will be, of 
earth, the last of me. Dissolution has broken 
in on me from every side and leaves me no 
escape, as to my poor body. For four days 
and nights I have not lain down ; what sleep I 
catch is sitting on a rocking chair, with anoth- 
er one before me with a pillow on to lay my 
legs on. Pray for us, we are nearly gone. 
Our best love to you. 

Wm. Brown. 

Nineteen days after he had written the above 
letter to me he died, being May 11th, 1868. 
I received the followins: from his son : 

May 13th, 1868. 
Father departed this life on Monday 11th, 
at 7 o'clock. He suffered much pain for about 
seven weeks. The last four weeks he could 
not lie down at all. His disease was dropsy of 
the abdomen and legs. He was aware that his 
time had come. He said his days were num- 
bered. His mind wandered some, but was 
clear at the moment of death, which was quite 
easy. He addressed me intelligently not half 
a minute before the final change. 

Wm. O. Brown. 



172 Lirt: of .tohx fettekhoff. 

loth. ^Ve went to my son Christian. I 
had taken cold — had a bad cough and a very 
sore throat. Sunday we went to Sabbath- 
school. I spoke to the children. Minds that 
are not biased can be cultivated and eifected 
for o-ood, but when the mind is influenced with 
a false theory, it is seldom that it can be reach- 
ed. This week we spent in this neighborhood, 
visitino^ and biddino- farewell. It was hard to 
part with them. 

18th. We went back to LaFayette and 
stopped with O. S. Abernethy. I am yet 
unwell. My throat is very sore, and cough 
bad. I can hardly rest or get sleep. 

23rd. We started east. This evening we 
got to Springfield, Ohio, to my wife's uncle, 
Jacob Walter. 

25th. Got to Orrville, and stopped with 
Peter Yost, an old acquaintance and school- 
mate of Susanna's. 

26th. Went in a wagon with Yost's to John 
Oyler's. His mother was my first cousin. 

27th. Preached in Fulton — German in the 
forenoon and English in the afternoon. The 
Lord was with us. We had a joyful time 
together. These old German brethren possess 
much of the life of God in their souls. No one 
can be a true Christian without it. 



LIFE OF JOHN FETTEKHOFF. 173 

2 9 til. Took the cars at Fulton at 9 : 20 and 
got to Chambersburg the oOth, at 11 ; 30. 

31st. Wrote letters to my children and 
friends to answer their request to let them 
know about us. 

November 1st. Went to Greenvillage to 
mother-in-law, and made arrangement to make 
our home Avith her this winter. To this she 
readily consented. 

3rd. Preached in the Salem church to a 
large and attentive congregation. 

4th. I went to Levi Oyler's to keep house 
tor them and take care of his stock while he 
and his wife went west on a visit to see his 
brethren and kindred. Susanna stayed at 
Greenvillage and kept house for her mother 
while she went to see her relations at Quincy 
and at Waynesboro. Thus we parted for a 
while. 

10th. Preached in Chambersburg. There 
are some omens for a revival here. This week 
I was still here alone. Had time to read and 
write. 

l(3th. Saturday. Went to my mother-in- 
law. She had returned ; and Susanna came 
l)ack with me and cooked for me. 

17th. Sunday. Preached at ]\larion and 
administered the sacrament. 



174 LIFE OF JOHN FETTEKHOFF. 

18th. Preached in Chambersbarg. There 
was a deep impression on the minds of the peo- 
ple for good. Some came forward for prayer, 
and were blessed in the pardon of their sins. 
The meeting was kept up some two or three 
weeks, and more or less were converted every 
njo^ht. The meetino^ was attended with the 
power of God. Bro. Hummelbaugh, the 
preacher in charge, is truly a man of God. 
Wife and I were present nearly every night. 
There was no meeting in day time. 

December 1st. The meetinor is still ofoinof 
on. There are more or less converted all 
along. 

6th. Jacob Doup came to see me. We 
were much in each other's company when we 
were young men, and belonged to the same 
Annual conference, (the Miami,) but in a few 
years he came east to Pennsylvania and travel- 
ed a circuit here a while among the United 
Brethren, then joined the Methodists and trav- 
eled among them. He stayed with us three 
days. We had a pleasant time together in 
speaking about old times, the days of the 
fathers in the church, and the days of our 
youth, and with sorrow looked at the great 
contrast there is between those days and the 
present time. Those were days of consecration 



LIFE OF JOHN FETTEKHOFF. 17'» 

to God. Holy living and a separation from the 
world were the great characteristics of the 
church then. ** O Israel, how art thou fallen !" 

22nd. Sunday. Preached to the Germans 
in Chambersburg. The revival fire is still 
burning. Brother Oyler returned from the 
west, and we then went to Greenvillage to our 
temporary home. Our goods arrived from the 
west, and we seen after them. 

1868. January 1st. Benjamin Funkhouser 
came with his sleigh and took us to their house. 
We stayed with them this week and had much 
conversation about old times we had seen in 
the church — the great power that was in the 
church then. 

5th. Sunday. Preached in Samuel Ruber's 
house. There was a soul-cheering time. We 
stayed with him four days and had sweet com- 
munion together. 

10th. Went to Abraham Stoufer, our bro th- 
in-law. The next day we went to Chambers- 
burg. 

12th. Heard Hummelbaugh preach both in 
the morning and in the evening. It was a good 
meeting. 

14th. Went back to Greenvillage. The 
Methodists have a protracted meeting at this 
place. I helped them at their meeting. By 



176 LIFE OF JOHN FETTER liOFF. 

theii' request I preached three times during the 
meeting, but there was not much etfected. 
Preaching made but little impression on the 
people. 

22nd. Went to Little York to the Pennsyl- 
vania Annual conference. 

23rd. Conference went into session. Gloss- 
brenner presided. Here I saw some of the old 
fathers of the church. Ex-bishop Erb, and 
also ex-bishop Russel. He is very feeble ; 
much reduced with consumption and cough. 
D. Funkhouser also was present, and others. 
But strange to say the old fathers of the church 
who were present had but little to say or to do. 
The younger (would be great) took all the 
business into their hands, and let the fathers 
know that they belonged to an advanced age, 
that knowledge centered in them, and that it 
was enough if the old fiithers were permitted 
(by the constitution) to sit as spectators and 
see how a few do business for the whole. I 
have never seen so many preachers together in 
conference before and so few to do the busi- 
ness. 

30th. We went to Samuel Clippinger's, 
our brother-in-law, and kept house for them 
while they went on a visit to Greencastle. 

February 2nd. Preached in Center. We 



LIFE OF JOHN FETTEKHOFF. 177 

had a good meeting at this place. This week 
I received a letter from Bro. Fohl, desiring me 
to fill some appointments for him on Big Spring 
circuit. I consented and went. The 8th I 
preached at Nettle's school-house. It is an old 
log house, and it was so intensely cold that the 
people were suffering. I kept my overcoat 
on while I was preaching, and my hands got so 
cold that I would have fared better if I would 
have had mittens on. The roads were drifted 
shut with snow so that we could not follow the 
road ; we had to go through the fields. 

9th. Preached at Whistler's meeting house. 
At this place we had a weeping and rejoicing 
time. At candle-light I preached at Xewville. 
There was good attention, but not much power. 

10th. Preached at Blosherville by candle- 
light. Here we had a special influence of 
grace on the minds of the j^eople. 

loth. Went to Chaml^ersburg Quarterly 
meeting. This meeting A\'ent off rather dry. 
I spent a few days in Chambersburg this week, 
then returned to Greenvillao^e. 

23rd. Preached at Salem, and in the even- 
ing at Greenvillaije. 

28th. Started for German conference in 
Zanesville, Ohio. I got as far as Hagerstown, 
Md. 



178 LIFE OF JOHN FETTERHOFF. 

29th. Got to Martinsburg, W. Va. 

March 1st. Preached in Martinsburg at 11 
and at candle-light. The meetings were pleas- 
ant but not stirring. 

2nd. Monday at ten in the evening took 
the cars and went on for Zanesville, but snow 
and ice on the Ohio river hindered us so much 
that we did not get there till the 4th. 

5th. Conference went into session. Bishop 
Edwards presided. We had a very pleasant 
and peaceable session. O how pleasant it is 
when true brotherly kindness is felt in confer- 
ence. Monday conference got through with 
its business, and we parted in peace. 

12th. I ofot back to chambersburo;. Siisan- 
na met me here. We remained here over Sun- 
day, and I preached to the people. The 
revival spirit that was here last fall has nearly 
died out. 

22nd. Heard Hummelbaugh preach twice 
In Chaml)ersburg. He labors hard and with 
no ease to himself. 

28th. We went to Greenvillage. The 
Methodists have their Quarterly meeting here. 
We attended the meeting. 

29th. The presiding elder preached at 11. 
At candle-light I preached. The meeting was 
a drao^ — no power. 



LIFE OF JOIIX FETTEltllOFF. 179 

oOth. ^ye moved to Chaiiibersburo-, into 
the house we bought of Joseph Keller Decem- 
ber 14th, 1867. 

31st. We made some garden and fixed up 
things about the house. 

April 5th. Was to meeting in Chambers- 
burg. Heard Hummelbaugh in the forenoon, 
and was at the colored church in the evenins". 

7th. It snowed and rained and was very 
unpleasant. 

10th. The snow fell six and a half inches 
deep, but it was not very cold. 

11th. This day it is warm and the snow 
melts fast ; the mud and water are oettina' 
deep. 

12th. Sunday. Preached the funeral of 
mother Huber, wife of Samuel Huber, to a 
very large concourse of people. Dear brotlier 
Huber is left a widower once more in his old 
days, lonely and alone. But God in his kind- 
ness did not let him stay here long ; he took 
him away. 

26th. J. Russel preached in Chambersburg. 
At candle-light I preached to the colored peo- 
ple. Bro. Kussel exhorted. There was a 
great excitement among them. 

May 3rd. Sunday. This day I preached 
twice for the colored people. The}' are happy 



180 IJFE OF JOHN FETTEKHOFF. 

in God. During the remainder of this month 
I attended meeting on Sunday in Chambers- 
burg. 

20th. Helped Abraham Stoufer raise his 
barn. 

26th. Went to a ministerial association at 
Oakville. It was a dry aliair, and not very 
instructive. Some aimed to show their smart- 
ness, and did show ignorance. 

31st. I preached to the poor at the county 
house. Some got happy and shouted. 

June 8th. I went to see father Samuel 
Huber. He is failing fast. We had some 
conversation together. All seemed to be well 
with him. I bid him adieu no more to see him 
on earth. In three days we went to the west, 
and he soon after died. 

11th Started to go to Indiana. It rained 
nearly all dny. 

13th. Quarterly meeting at Fulton. At 2 
o'clock I preached. We had a time of rejoic- 
ing. 

14th. Sunday. We had sacrament, and a 
feast of love. It was a joyful time to the 
church. 

16th. Started to Orrville at 7 : 20. We 
got to Wm. Whistler's at 8 : 30. 

18th. Went to my son, A. A. Fetterholf's, 



LIFE OF JOHN FETTPIRFIOFF. 181 

and stayed with them and the other boys till 
the 24th. 

25th. Went to LaFayette. Paid my tax 
and settled up my interest money. 

28th, There was basket meeting at the 
school-house near Upp's. 

30th. We went to David Brown's, and to 
Abernethy's and Einsels. 

July 5th. Sunday. Preached at Yea school- 
house. Monday went up to the boys. 

9th. Thursday. Went up to Logansport, 
and to Adam Surface's, and Bunker Hill at 
Baker's. 

12th. Throughout this week we had the 
warmest weather we ever have had in this 
country. The 15th and 16th the mercury 
stood above 100 in the shade — up to 107. 

18th. We got back to the children, and it 
is still warm and dry. I helped the boys with 
their hay. It is great weather to make hay — 
thermometer from 90 to 95. 

August 9th. Sunday. Quarterly meeting 
at the Poplar (;hurch. Hershey preached. It 
was rather dull. 

16th. Sunday. I preached at the chapel 
at 11, and at 4 in the Harner school-house. 

23rd. Heard Xoah Surface at the chapel. 
Preachino^ went hard with him to-dav. This 



1^2 LIFE OF JOHN fp:tteiihoff. 

week I did all I could to <>et a wao^on made, 
and harness for horses, to get ready to start 
home by private conveyance ; but there are 
some men on whose word we can not depend. 
I have now been put off from time to time — 
full one month. We had expected to start 
home about the middle of August, but it will 
l)e much later. 

September 10th. We started from my son 
Christian's. Got to Frankfort, and from this 
on it rained nearly every day. The roads were 
very bad, and the Black Swamps dangerous. 

12th. Got to my l)rother-in-law, Joshua 
Xull's. He is sick with fever, but is getting 
some better. 

13th. Sunday. Preached to the people. 
There were many people, and an interesting 
time. 

16th. Went to Adam Lee's, near West 
Baltimore. He was married to my sister, but 
she is dead. 

18th. Saturday. We got to Springfield, 
and stopped with my wife's aunt till Monday. 
We have much rain. All roads that are not 
piked are like in the spring of the year. 

October 1st. We got home, having been * 
three weeks on the way, 595 miles. We had 
nmch rouoh road. Brother Hummelbauo^h is 



LIFE OF JOHN FETTEKIIOFF. 18o 

very sick ; he will never preac*h any more. 

13th. This morning at 1 o'clock he died 
very triumphantly. His work on earth is 
done. 

15th. He was buried. J. Bishop preach- 
ed his funeral. There were many people, and 
much weeping. 

25th. We were at St. Thomas protracted 
meeting. This is a hard place ; there is much 
opposition. 

Xovember 1st. We w^ere at Orrstown Quar- 
terly meeting. J. Bishop presided. At 11 
o'clock I preached. 

8th. AVent to Loudon to a protracted meet- 
ing. Sunday I preached twice. There was 
not much effected. 

9th. Monday. A^\as at D. Deter's. She is 
a lirst cousin to Susanna. 

15th. AVe went into the Dutch settlement 
with George Fetterhoff. It is pleasant to be 
with such friends. 

21st. I went to the Stone church, three 
miles below Shippensburg. It snowed all day. 
Few people. 

22nd. Sunday. Snow deep and much 
water under it. People can not go on foot ; it 
keeps them from meeting. I tried to preach 



184 LIFE OF JOHN FETTERHOFF. 

three times to the people. There was some 
good feeling. 

December 4th. After many urgent invita- 
tions wife and 1 went to York Spring circuit. 
We held protracted meetings at the following 
places : December 6th, Cotton's school-house ; 
13th, Pike's church; 20th, at Hampton; 27th, 
at Bretstown ; and January the 3rd, 1869, at 
Gardner's church. In all this time while attend- 
ing^ to these meetinsrs we had much cold and 
plenty of snow, and we were much exposed. I 
took cold and had a bad cough these five weeks. 
At these five meetings I preached thirty-four 
times, and some appearance of good ; but we 
were so soon away from one meeting to anoth- 
er that there was not time to effect much. 

1869. January 6th. We got home. It is 
now very pleasant and snow nearly gone. I 
am much afflicted with cousfh and sore throat. 
I heard others preach but I w^ould not preach 
myself. 

10th. Went to Salem and heard Tripner. 

17th. Sunday. I preached twice at St. 
John's church. 

21st. The Pennsylvania conference met in 
Chambersburg. Glossbrenner presided. The 
conference was somewhat like last year ; a few 
did the talking ; old men looked on. " 



LIFE OF JOyN FETTERHOFF. 185 

24th. Sunday morning at half past 10 
o'clock father Frederic Gilbert died. In the 
evening he was on a committee doing business for 
the conference. In twelve hours he went from 
the committee room to glory. He once in his 
younger days was one of the most hard work- 
ers in the itineracy. He formed many churches 
and some circuits through or in this valley. 
The fruits of his ministry are great, but been 
as he was an old fogy he was not much noticed 
by the fast age. 

27th. I preached for the colored people. 
Bro. Kussel exhorted. There was a noisy time 
among them. 

28th. My son, Christian, came from the 
west to pay us a visit. He stayed with us 
until the 9th of February and then returned 
home. While he was with us we went to see 
other parts of the country. We went to Get- 
tysburg and took a view of the battle field, and 
also was at Alto Dale furnace, and at Salem 
church, and came home by Greenvillage and 
Ebersole's mill. 

February 14th. Preached at Fetterhoff's 
chapel and at New Franklin. The grace of 
God was with us. 

19th. I went to Mount Joy, to the East 
Pennsylvania conference. This conference is 



186 LIFE OF JOHN FETTERHOFF. 

mostly German, and there are many humble, 
true Christians, and good preachers here. It is 
pleasant to be with them. Some of them were 
opposed to colleges or high schools, high sal- 
aries, little work, &c., and the spirit of dead, 
formal churches, and on this plea separated 
themselves. I think there were twelve or 
fourteen. 

23rd. I went to Halifax to see some of my 
connections, and spent the remainder of this 
week among them. They were very friendly. 
Although man}^ of them have no experimental 
knowledge of God, some are true Christians. 

28th. Sunday. Preached at 11 o'clock in 
the Fetterhotf church, and in the evening in 
Halifax. At Halifax one soul was blessed in 
the pardon of sin. 

March 3rd. Started for Cleveland, Ohio, to 
German conference. The weather is cold. 

4th. Got to Cleveland at 11 o'clock, and 
had to walk and hunt till 1, P. M., before I 
found the place of conference. i\ly throat was 
very sore and cough bad. 

6th. Saturday. Conference got through 
with all its business. All went off so pleas- 
antly. 

7th. Sunday. D. Edwards preached. We 
had a pleasant Sabbath together. 



IJFK OF JOHN FETTEKHOFF. 187 

8th Monday. Started for home quite un- 
well with cough and sore throat and breast. 

9th. Got home much aiilicted, and am still 
getting worse every day. 

18th. I was taken with a severe pain in my 
right side, so that I could not keep still. A 
doctor was called, and the most he gave was 
laudanum, but it did no good. Then another 
doctor was called, and he blistered me severe- 
ly. It stopped the pain and I began to amend 
slowly. 

29th. I got so that I could sit* up some, but 
I am weak and still have a cough. I did not 
get from home until the 25th of April. My 
wife and I then went to Fetterhoff 's ; there was 
a protracted meeting on hand there. Sunday 
I tried to preach for the first time in upwards 
of two months. T am still troubled with a 
couffh and sore throat. I think it is bronchitis. 
I stayed mostly about home, and on Sunday 
heard others preach ; and I also preached at 
the Cold Spring school-house, and at Falling 
Spring and Salem church, (See. 

August 19th. We went to Li ken's Valle^^ 
camp meeting. There w^ere nine preachers 
present, but there was no converting power. 
I preached three times to the people. There 
was some feelinof, but when God does not pour 



188 LIFE OF JOHN FETTEKIIOFF. 

his Spirit upon the people it is dry. 

24th. We got home and fixed to go to camp 
meeting at Yaukey's. 

27th. We went to camp meeting on my 
spring wagon. We took our own provision, 
and had our lodsfino: on our wasjon. We had a 
ofood home durino^ meetins:. Durins^ this meet- 
ing there was much speculative preaching, 
especially by two men, viz., Schaft* and Jerry 
Bishop. They indirectly brought in their soul- 
sleeperism. But few took notice of it, because 
it was not understood. But there was some 
good done. The church was revived, and some 
souls were converted. 

September 3rd. Bro. Daniel Funkhouser was 
buried. I preached his funeral in German, and 
James Bishop in English. Thus the old fathers 
of the church are passing aw^ay, and with them 
the old landmarks. O what a change there is 
in the appearance of church members in these 
days and fifty years back. Now there are min- 
isters and meml)ers who are in hio^h standing- 
in the church that forty years ago would not 
have been suffered to stay in the church two 
months, unless they would have laid off their 
worldly attire. 

5th. Sunday. Preached at Falling Spring, 
and then went round on Shippensburg circuit 



LIFE OF JOHN FETTERHOFF. 189 

for Bro. Shaffer. We enjoyed the presence of 
God at all the meetings. The remainder of 
this month I preached at Crider's church, at 
Salem and at Chambersburg. 

October 2nd. Attended a Sabbath-school 
celebration at Salem, and spoke to the children. 
This and next month we had protracted meet- 
inofs Sfoinof on at Chambersburo^ and at Clark's 
school-house near Greenvillage. Wife and I 
went back and forth from one to the other and 
helped what we could. The one at Chambers- 
burg was under the care of Schaft*, and the oth- 
er at Clark's school-house under the care of 
Tripner. At Chirk's school-house there w\as 
much good done. Quite a number were con- 
verted. At Chambersburg the work was rather 
artificial. It lacked the power of God. 

December. The work of God is still going 
on at Clark's school-house. I preached much 
to the people at this place Avhile Bro. Tripner 
attended to the other appointments on his circuit. 

19th. We aimed to go to the Immanuel 
church to hold a meeting. We got in sight of 
the church but we could not get there ; the 
lanes were blocked up with snow so that we 
could not get through. We stayed during the 
night at Abraham Ruber's and the next day 
returned. 



190 LIFK OF JOHN FETlEimOFF. 

2(nh. Sunday. Preached at Clark'^. There] 
are still some new mourners out, and are con- 
verted. There is a good society formed here 
of upwards of forty members. 

1870. January. The forepart of this month 
I helped Bro. Dickson hold meeting in the new 
Methodist church. We had some soid-cheering 
times. The old, huni])le members separated 
themselves from the proud and built a church 
of their own and do their sinoin<r Avithout a 
machine. The apostles and primitive church 
had nothino- of this. The difference lies here: 
the one worship God with heart and soul, the 
other with animal passion. 

20th. This day conference went into session 
at Newville. Bishop Weaver presided. This 
was a stormy conference on account of those 
two men, viz., Schaff and Jerry Bishop, hold- 
ing to the doctrine of soul-sleeperism. They 
Avere daring, conceity and stubborn. The con- 
ference spent the greater part of three days in 
contest with them before they got them off their 
hands. Error of any kind is troublesome. 

23rd. Sunday. At 11 o'clock and at can- 
dle-light I preached at Orrstown. I did not go 
back to conference, I went home. 

30th. I preached for the Methodists. We 
have a good state of feeling here. 



lifp: of johx fetterhoff. 191 

February. Daring this month and March 
and April I labored a good deal with the Ger- 
mans of this place. I held meeting with them 
every Thursday evening and Sunday afternoon 
at four o'clock. Some were brightly convert- 
ed and made happy in the Lord. I also 
preached some for the Methodists, and for the 
colored people. There are lively Christians 
among them, and they no doubt will get to 
heaven . 

May. I still kept up the German meeting. 
We have lively times and more tend meeting 
now. I also preached some at Salem and 
Clark's school-house, and some for the ^Nletho- 
dists. 

June. 1st. We started for Indiana. We <rot 
to John Walter's near Hagerstown, my wife's 
uncle, and stopped with them until the next 
day evening at 6 o'clock, then took the cars and 
w^ent by Harper's Ferry, Columbus, Ohio, and 
on to Dayton. We got to Dayton on Friday 
at nine o'clock in the evening, and stopped with 
Vonnieda. We stayed till Monday. On Sun- 
day I preached in Miami City to a good 
congregation. Many of my old friends and 
acquaintances live in this place. We w^ere very 
glad to meet once more. 

7th. We went on and got to LaFayette at 



192 LIFE OF JOHN FETTERHOFF. 

11 o'clock in the night, then walked out to 
Donvvoodey's. 

8th. Got to my daughter's, Christena, and 
found them all well. 

11th. We commenced a basket meeting at 
the Vea school-house. We had a good meet- 
ing this afternoon. George and Samuel Sur- 
face were present ; they are first-class preachers. 
On Sunday there were many spectators, and 
some honest inquirers after truth. I think the 
meeting was a blessing to some. 

19th. Sunday we spent in the neighborhood 
of my bo3^s, attended Sabbath-school, &c. 
This week we spent here. It is very warm. 
Friday the thermometer stood 98 and Saturday 
96 degrees. 

26th. Preached twice in Harner's school- 
house to a good congregation, and there was 
some feeling. 

28th. Went back to my daughter, and 30th 
to Samuel Surface's. 

July 3rd. Sunday. George Surface preach- 
ed at Yea school-house. He gave us a warm 
Holy Ghost sermon. Such preaching is almost 
out of date now, but it is the only preaching 
that will arouse the sinner and help to bring 
him to God. 

5th. Tuesday we went to D. Brown's, (Uh 



LIFE OF JOHN FETTERHOFF. 193 

to Einsel's, 7th to Whistler's, 8th to Adam 
Surface's above Logansport. 

10th. I preached in the Seven-mile church 
to a good congregation of my old friends and 
acquaintances with whom I worshiped quite a 
number of years. This week I was much afflict- 
ed with dysentery and hastened back to my 
daughter. 

19th. Went to LaFayette. It is very 
warm ; the heat is above 100. 

24th. Sunday. Adam Surface preached in 
the school-house. Susanna was sick and I 
stayed with her. She has some fever and 
much pain in her head. 

26th. Sent for doctor Surface for her. He 
ofave some medicines and she o^ot better. 

31st. Sunday. I preached at the school- 
house. 

August 3rd. Susanna, myself, Christian 
and Christena started for Livingston county, 
Illinois, to John Hoobler's, and to see my sister 
Rebecca once more. We got there in the even- 
ing. We stayed here until Tuesday the 9th. 
This is a beautiful country, the land is rich and 
farmers are making money fast. My daughter's 
children are all well off. 

7th. Sunday. Went to Methodist meeting. 
We had a poor sermon, and a dead meeting. 



194 LIFE OF JOHN FETTERHOFF. 

10th. Got back to LaFayette, and stayed 
here this week. 

13th. Susanna was very sick with bilious 
colic, but it did not last long. 

15th. My son Samuel came after us and 
took us up to his house. We stayed here this 
week and gave a farewell visit, and on Sunday, 
the 21st, I gave them a farewell address after 
Sabbath-school. It was the warmest meeting 
we have had here. 

23rd. My children went with us to Delphi 
to see us start for home. We got off at 2 
o'clock. 

25th. At 11 o'clock, A. M., we got home 
without meeting with accident, and well. 

27th. Went to camp meeting at George 
Fetterhoff's. There were many preachers and 
people present, and this meeting was attended 
with more than common power. Many were 
converted and old members revived. Some 
rising of twenty joined the last night. The 
meetino: was continued all nis^ht until sunrise in 
the morning. 

September 1st. This day the camp meeting 
broke with much joy. Some will be in heaven 
before another camp meeting, and some in hell. 

4th. Sunday. Heard Lower. He com- 
menced a protracted meeting in Chambersburg. 



LIFE OF JOHN FETTERHOFF. 195 

This meeting was kept up during this month 
and most of October. The most of the time it 
was uphill work — not much power of God. 
Some professed to be converted, but — but — . 
Susanna and I helped all we could at the meet- 
ing, but the most of the time it w^as hard work, 
owing to the fact that the Holy Ghost was not 
manifested. 

October 1st. We went to St. Thomas to 
assist in or hold a protracted meeting for Bro. 
Fohl. The Lord was pleased to meet with us 
here. We had a joyful time, and sinners were 
converted. I stayed ten days. There were 
more or less out for prayer every night, and 
the Lord in mercy blessed some with joy in the 
Holy Ghost. 

16th. • I preached for the colored people. 
There was a joyful time among them. 

23rd. Sunday. Delivered a lecture on 
baptism at Ebersole's mill. There were ma- 
ny people, and some of every denomination in 
the county. Some were much pleased, and 
others as much displeased. Ten were baptized. 
All modes were practiced. 

29th. Went to Newville and preached on 
Saturday, and twice on Sunday. There was a 
good feeling. 

81st. Went in company with Bro. Young 



19^ LIFE OF JOHN FETTERHOFF. 

to Bethany land. Preached to a crowded 
house. Three came forward for prayer, and 
one was blessed. 

November 1st. Went with Bro. Young to 
Newburg. We met Bro. Anthony there. He 
had made the appointment to baptize. They 
prevailed on me to deliver a lecture on bap- 
tism. I did so. There were some sour faces 
and some pleasant ones. Twelve were bap- 
tized, some one way and some another. I 
went with Anthony and Rabuck to Orrstown 
and preached by candle-light. 

4th. Went home, and the remainder of this 
month T stayed about Chambersburg and had 
some meetings with the colored people, preach- 
ed some for the Methodists, and had some 
meetings with the German people. W^e most- 
ly had a blessed time with the Germans. The 
prospect for a revival of religion among them 
was great, but the devil and their unconverted 
preacher and some of his aids, opposed, and 
kept them from meeting. 

December 10th. Susanna and I went to 
Halifax and stayed till the 28th. While we 
were there we had meeting at different places. 
I preached in Powels Valley in the Jacob's 
church, and the 18th in Fetterhoff's church, 
and in Jackson the 24th and 25th, and all 



LIFE OF JOHN FETTERHOFF. 197 

through the week evenings at some place or 
other ; but I preached most in Halifax. We 
had some soul-cheerino^ times at some of the 
meetings. Some few were converted and join- 
ed church. 

1871. January 1st. At 2 o'clock at Ger- 
man meeting, and at candle-light I preached 
for the Methodists. 

5th. Thursday. I went to Greencastle to 
hold a protracted meeting in the absence of the 
preacher. The first evening one was convert- 
ed, Saturday evening one, Sunday three. On 
the whole it was a good meeting ; the church 
was much revived. 

9th. Preached for the Methodists this even- 
ing. Three obtained peace in the pardon of 
their sins. 

15th. Quarterly meeting in our church in 
Chambersburg. In time of sacrament there 
was a great stir among the Christians, but on 
the whole there was not much done. 

22nd. Sunday. German meeting at my 
house at 2 o'clock. We had a cheerful time. 

28th. Saturday. Went with Bro. J. Fohl 
to Loudon. It was cold and there was some 
snow. 

29th. Sunday. Preached twice at the fur- 
nace, four miles north of Loudon, in a school- 



198 LIFE OF JOHN FETTERHOFF. 

house. I continued here till Wednesday. I 
preached to the people every evening. They 
are wild and wicked, but behave well in meet- 
ing, and they often shed tears. 

February 5th. Sunday. Preached twice in 
our church in Chambersburg, and continued 
the meeting two weeks. I preached to the 
Germans. There was much power, and good 
feeling manifested, and a good prospect for a 
revival amons: them. Some were much eiFect- 
ed to tears, but their ungodly preacher and 
some of his aids, with the help of the devil, 
got them to stay away. Such men in the garb 
of a minister can do more to keep souls from 
Christ than fifty persons who make no preten- 
tions to Christianity. 

26th. I preached in our church for the 
English. In the evening a colored man preach- 
ed on the judgment. Some were highly offend- 
ed that a negro preached in our church. 

March 2nd. Went to East Pennsylvania 
German conference at Myerstown. Bishop 
Weaver presided. There are some humble, 
plain. God-fearing ministers in this conference. 
The business of conference was done up in 
peace and with brotherly kindness. 

6th. Monday. Returned home, and the 7th 
George Upp, and his daughter Manerva Jane, 



LIFE OF JOHN FETTERHOFF. 199 

came from the state of Indiana to see us, and 
to see his friends and brother. The balance of 
this week we did some visiting. Saturday we 
went to George FetterhofF's. 

12th. Sunday. It rained much all day. 
We got home in the evening. 

13th. At 8 o'clock we took the cars for 
Harper's Ferry. There we parted. He went 
to Augusta county, Virginia, to see his brother, 
and I went to Dayton, Ohio, to the German 
Ohio conference. There was a good attend- 
ance, and the preachers brought in a good 
report of the prosperity of the work of God on 
their fields of labor. I do believe that there is 
no conference in the church in which there are 
so many honest, upright laborers for God as 
there are in this conference, according to their 
number. The spirit of self-importance is not 
so manifest here as in most of the English con- 
ferences. They are degenerating fast for bad. 

19th. Sunday. I preached for the colored 
United Brethren in Dayton, Ohio. 

21st. Got home after an absence of nine 
days. 

April 4th. My son-in-law and daughter 
started home, and that evening I was taken 
with a severe pain at the root of my tongue, 
at the left side, and it soon went to my left ear. 



200 LIFE OF JOHN FETTERHOFF. 

The pain was very sev^ere, very sharp, and 
darted to different parts for three days ; then it 
also went to my right ear and face and head. 
The two Senseny doctors attended me. They 
had three blisters on me : one on each side of 
my neck and face, and one on the back of my 
neck. Both ears bealed in the inside and dis- 
charged much matter. For upwards of three 
weeks my hearing was nearly lost. The pain 
in my head, w^ith the blisters also, made it so 
sore that there seemed to be no soundness in 
any part on which I could rest the head. Much 
of the time I had to sit on my bed and rest my 
chin on my breast, and sometimes I would sleep 
that way a few minutes. My wife attended me 
with poulticing by day and night for upwards of 
three weeks. Toward the close of the third 
week the pain abated and I could rest some. 

30th. Sunday. M}^ mind was strongly and 
wonderfully wrought upon. I was thinking of 
the doctrine I had learned in the Bible in the 
early days of my boyhood, which doctrine was 
then made life and power in my soul by the 
light of the Holy Ghost : and when I repented 
of my sins and by faith in the blood of Jesus I 
obtained power over all my sins, and the love 
of God was shed abroad in my heart, I was 
made a new creature in Christ Jesus and all 



LIFE OF JOHN FETTEKHOFF. 201 

things were made new. That doctrine I have 
tried to preach without misgivings, doubts or 
hesitation for upwards of fifty-two years, and it 
is now a world of light to me. No gloom or 
fear is left. It is all in all. Because all human 
education, creeds of salvation , &c., aside from 
this are but hay and stubble. But in this 
Christ is the foundation ; he is the life and pow- 
er of this doctrine of salvation in his grace. It 
reaches down to the lowest fallen son of Adam's 
race, and takes hold on him; and if he will 
yield to grace it will lift him up to be a child 
of God, and if faithful to the grace given it will 
raise him to the company of the saints in glory, 
and in the resurrection it will lift soul and body 
and set them above the tallest archangel, 
for they (saints) shall judge angels. I now 
feel near that home. Halleluiah I I was much 
reduced by this sickness so that my hearing 
was poor and I was feeble, so that I was mostly 
confined at home until the 1st of June. 

May. This month I was mostly confined to 
the house. My head and ears were still sore ; 
cold wind effected my head much, so that I had 
to have it tied up. 

June 1st. The weather is getting very warm, 
and my head and ears are much better. The 
roaring in my ears is less and I hear better. 



202 LIFE OF JOHN FETTEKHOFF. 

3rd. This evening Quarterly meeting com- 
menced here. Preaching was dull. 

4th. Preaching was still dull, but there 
was much power in time of sacrament. 
The 22nd cousin George FetterhofF came and 
took Susanna and me to his house. We stay- 
ed there nearly one week. We picked some 
cherries and dittany. 

28th. We had got home, and I took sick. 
I had to vomit and was feeble a few days, and 
got medicine of Senseny. It was hard on my 
bowels. 

July. This month was warm and dry. 
The 29th Susanna and I went to Bridy's to 
see brother William. He is very low with 
consumption, but very happy. He lived but 
three Aveeks longer, then went to his home in 
heaven. 

August 6th. Sunday. I preached in our 
church. There was quite a shouting time. 

10th. This day I got the news by letter that 
my youngest and only remaining sister, Peggy, 
the wife of Rev. John Hoobler, had died the 
6th of this month at 8 o'clock in the morning, 
after a long protracted sickness of diarrhea. I 
am now left alone of a family of seven. All are 
gone, and I am broke. 

17th. Camp meeting commenced on this 



LIFE OF JOHN FETTERHOFF. 203 

side of Orrstown. Susanna and I went in 
partnership with Samuel Clippinger in a tent. 
There were fifty-three tents, and a great crowd 
of people, and beautiful weather during the con- 
tinuance of the meeting. There were many 
preachers present, but there was more head- 
work than heart- work. All was done after 
man's fency of things — nice singing, nice preach- 
ing, nice dressing; feathers, flowers and flounc- 
es plenty; and but one preacher had boldness 
enough to reprove pride. It did not take. 
There Avas not much converting power. Some 
were well pleased with the new measures and 
boasted much of the advancement the church is 
making. If they meant that the church is get- 
ting fast like the world in dress, all right. 

24th. This day the camp meeting commenc- 
ed at George Fetterhoft^'s. There were fifty-two 
tents. During this meeting there was much 
rain ; it was unpleasant to be on the ground ; all 
was damp. The same rules were adopted here 
that they had at the other meeting — all form. 
Preaching, singing, praying and speaking meet- 
ing twice a day. They had not much time left 
to think of poor sinners or labor for their salva- 
tion, hence not many were converted. This 
thing stuck out very prominent that the old 
fathers and mothers of the church were not 



204 LIFE OF JOHN FETTEKHOFF. 

much respected, they were too old-fashioned. 
No old preacher was permitted to preach unless 
he was a circuit preacher. All have their well 
prepared sermons, as they call them, and they 
spun them out to the 99th. 

September 2nd. Quarterly meeting here in 
town. Bro. Wickey presided. On Sunday he 
preached a feeling sermon, and sacrament was 
attended with some feeling:, but on the whole 
there was not much good done that we could 
see : too much living, dressing, talking and 
Avalking like the w^orld. 

14th. The Lutherans met here in town in 
General synod. I met with them some. The 
chief of their inquiry was, how to raise the 
most money to carry on their church enterpris- 
es — their seminary, colleges, &c., and make 
preachers ; all aiming more at and for head- 
work than heart-work. During this month I 
preached much for the colored Baptists. We 
always had much of the power of God with us. 
They are an honest, upright people. 

October 1st. This day I preached for the 
Baptists. There was much shouting and noise 
among them. When they get happy they call 
it being fired up. Some exclaimed, '*! am 
fired up ; much fired up." This week the 
county fair met here. There was a great crowd 



LIFE OF JOH^' FETTERHOFF. 205 

of people. People go to more expense, 
pains and loss of time to see horse racing 
and gambling than to hear the gospel, serve 
God and save their souls. 

8th. Smiday. I preached in our church in 
town. The meeting was attended with much 
power. In the evening sister Hadley lectured 
on the African mission. The house was much 
crowded. There were about forty-one dollars 
collected for said purpose. 

14th. Saturday. Sister Hadley, my wife 
and I went to Hagerstown and then to Shiloh, 
three miles from Hagerstown, to a Quarterly 
meetino:. This meetinoj was attended with some 
good. Sunday night we met in Hagerstown. 
Sister Hadley spoke on the African mission. 
She was some embarrassed ; she could not tell 
why. There was a gloom, and not much mon- 
ey raised. 

16th. Monday. We went to Geetingsville. 
There were many people out and the meeting 
went off well. She spoke with much freedom. 
In all there were about seventy dollars raised 
on this trip for the African mission. The last 
week of this month there was much report 
about fire in the west — in Chicago and west 
Kansas. Millions of property was destroyed. 

November 5th. Sunday. I was engaged in 



206 LIFE OF JOHN FETTERHOFF. 

holding a protracted meeting at Crider^s. At 
night there was one blessed, and the church 
revived. 

17th. We went home with George Fetter- 
hoff's, and on Sunday, 19th, I preached in their 
church. Here are some of the old United 
Brethren that are firm in the cause of Christ. 
Jeremiah Herman is near his end with consump- 
tion, and very happy in Jesus. 

21st. Tuesday. We got home. The meet- 
ing is still kept up here, but it is rather much 
of a drag. Some profess to have obtained 
peace in believing, but there is not that power 
we used to see. 

30th. Thanksgiving-day, appointed by the 
President. I preached in the Turkey-foot 
school-house, and at candle-light in our church. 
The houses were crowded, and some came for- 
ward to be prayed for. 

December. The forepart of this month I 
stayed at home and attended meeting here in 
town. There was no stir in relitrion. 

16th. Saturday. Susanna and I went to 
Greencastle. I preached at this place. We 
had a blessed time. I stayed until Thursday. 
This meeting was a success ; many were con- 
verted. The meeting was kept up more than 
a month. At last account upwards of thirty 



LIFE OF JOHN FETTEKHOFF. 207 

had found peace with God through our Lord 
Jesus. 

25th. Monday. I went to Middleburg. 
The first evening I preached eight came to the 
altar for prayer, and three were blessed. I 
stayed here one week, and the Lord was with 
us at every coming together. A goodly num- 
ber have passed from death to life. 

1872. January 1st. Monday. I went home 
somewhat sore on my breast and worn, and 
felt that I needed rest. I reached home and 
found Susanna well. I stayed about home un- 
til the 6th, Saturday, when we were taken to 
Crider's church. We stayed here until Tues- 
day. We labored with the people, but there 
was no move until Monday evening one came 
out for prayer, and from that on there was 
some move ; but this neighborhood is much 
hardened, and also much prejudiced by dead 
churches. During the remainder of this month 
I was about home and attended meeting, and 
heard preaching in the different churches. 
Some was dull, some hard, and some live and 
earnest, but there was no converting power. 

February. This month I preached some for 
the colored people. Many of them are honest, 
good Christians, and get very happy. I also 
preached in our church. We had some good 



208 LIFE OF JOHN FETTERHOFF. 

meetings, and some souls felt like getting 
home. 

March. This month I preached each Sunday 
in some church or other. Some for the colored 
people, some in our church, and twice for the 
Methodists. It was a pleasant month to my 
soul. We had quite a time of rejoicing at most 
all of the meetings. 

April. This month I mostly went to hear 
others preach. I heard some flowery preach- 
ing, without power, and some soul-cheering 
preaching. The 28th was a good day to my 
soul. Father Dickson preached in the forenoon 
a soul-stirring sermon. I preached in the even- 
ing to a good congregation. The Lord was 
truly with us. 

May. During this month I attended two 
Quarterly meetings ; one in Chambersburg, the 
other in the Dutch settlement. There w^as no 
special work of grace at either. 

19th. Sunday. I preached at Bridgeport. 
It was a wet, rainy time, but there was a good 
congregation out, and the Word preached made 
some impression. 

26th. Preached to the colored people. 
They receive the Word gladly. 
, June. During this month I was much afllict- 
ed. I preached some for the colored people. 



LIFE OF JOHN FETTERHOFF. 209 

If they have a black skin, many of them have 
a white soul. 

July. This was a warm month, some days 
up to 96 and some to 98 above zero. I was 
much afflicted with dropsy and lowness of spirit, 
although I preached some and had some good 
meetings ; some got happy and shouted. I took 
medicine and it weakened me much b}' running 
of the bowels. 

August 7th. This evenino^ Bro. John Slon- 
echer and wife came to see us. I was sick in 
bed. We were glad to see each other after an 
absence of fifteen years. 

11th. Sunda}'. I preached for the colored 
people, and Slonecher followed. We had a 
ofood meetino^. At candle-lio^ht Bro. Slone- 

DO O 

cher preached in our church. It had a good 
effect, but pride is awfully on the increase. 

18th. Sunday. Slonecher preached again 
in our church — a good sermon. 

19th. Slonecher and I Avent to Keedysville 
camp meeting. There were upwards of one 
hundred tents, and a crowd of i)reachers ; and 
it seemed that they aimed more to make a dis- 
play of themselves and their talents than to 
save souls. Too much preaching themselves 
and not enough of Christ. It was a dry place 
for us and we left on Tuesday and went home. 



210 LIFE OF JOHN FETTERHOFF. 

24th. Went to Orrstown camp meeting. 
This was, as a whole, a good camp, but I think 
it would have been much better if there had 
not been quite so much form and sermon read- 
ing and skeleton preaching and cutting out a 
pathway for God to work by instead of work- 
ing by the influence of the Spirit of God. 
Brother Slonecher preached twice for us, more 
to purpose and good effect than any preaching 
that was done there. Some preach themselves 
and honor ; others preach for Christ and souls. 

September 1st. Slonecher preached at Sa- 
lem church. Saturday, 7th, old Bro. Her- 
man was buried after an aliliction of upwards of 
three years. He was a ripe fruit for glory. 
Oh how pleasant is the death of the saint. The 
weather was 104 degi*ees above zero the warm- 
est day. 

8th. Slonecher preached in the chapel. I 
spoke after him. A pleasant time. 

9th. This day we went home. I am much 
afflicted. 

12th. This day Slonecher and wife started 
home. They have been Avith us one month and 
six days. The time seemed short and pleasant, 
although I was much afflicted, and my affliction 
is on the increase. M}^ bowels are still in a 
laxative state and I am getting weaker, and 



LIFP: of JOHN FETTEKHOFF. 211 

now feel somewhat lonely since Slonecher is 
gone away. 

October 1st. Tuesday. I am very weak, 
and have some fever. Dr. Bowman gave me 
medicine. I am now confined to my bed, but 
m}^ soul is resting pleasantly in Jesus. All 
fear of death is gone. Jesus has conquered 
all. 

5th. Am some better. 

(3th. Sat up some, and feel pleasant. 

12th. The dropsy is making its appearance 
again . 

15th. Am much swollen. 

16th. Prepared some other medicines. 

17th. The swelling is going down some. 

20lh. Sunday. Quarterly meeting. I went 
on Sunday. There was a so^l-cheering time 
during sacrament — much rejoicing among old 
members. 

22nd. I am still mending. 

2 (3th. The swelling is nearly gone out of 
my body. 

November 1st. Bishop Weaver preached 
here by candle-light. There was a crowd of 
people, and a soul-stirring time. He spoke on 
the return of the prodigal son. 

3rd. Sunday. At 10 o'clock I preached, 
fttvd Bishop Dickson at candle-light. There 



212 LIFE OF JOHN FETTEKHOFF. 

was a crowded house and a oood meetino:. 

10th. I preached for the Baptists (colored). 
Joseph Fetterhotf was with me. He had never 
been to colored meeting before. He Avas much 
pleased. 

22nd. This afternoon a snow fell about one 
inch deep. It did not stop the people from 
plowing. 

24th. Heard a young colored man preach in 
the new Wesley an church. He preached well ; 
it was attended with much power, and there 
wss much shouting. 

30th. The past week I had better health 
than for a long time before. 

December 1st. Dickson preached in the 
Second Methodist church, and I followed in an 
exhortation. There was much Aveeping. He 
gave us a plain talk on tobacco, whisky and 
pride. This week is peculiarly pleasant and 
warm for the time of the year. 

8th. I preached for the Wesley ans in their 
new church, and Dickson followed me. This 
meeting was attended with much good — many 
rejoiced in God. 

15th. Heard Keister preach a warm ser- 
mon. He is a good man, for God is with him. 

19th. This night the deepest snow fell we 
have had in five years — 17 inches deep. 



LIFE OF JOHN FETTEKHOFF. 213 

22nd. Sunday. Heard Kiracofe preach. 
He gave us a good sermon both in day-time 
and in the evening. O how pleasant it is to list- 
en to preaching when it is attended wdth spirit 
and grace ; without this it is but dry husk — no 
food for the soul. 

23rd. More snow. It is now 22 inches 
deep, and it is very cold. 

26th. This morning it was 6 degrees below 
zero. Last winter the coldest time was 4 
below. 

29th. Went to colored meeting. There 
were seven preachers present. One more 
year has now passed by. How rapidly the 
time does fly. We are hastening onward 
to the grave, from which no skill of man can 
save. But beyond the dark tomb there is life 
and light. There saints walk inglorious white. 
During the past year I have had some heavy 
affliction, and some joyful seasons from the 
presence of the Lord. The Lord was good to 
me. His name is good. The Bible has been a 
guide to my feet, and a lamp to my path. It 
is the inspired writings of the -Old and New 
Testament, and is called the Scripture, the Bi- 
ble — The Book by way of eminence and dis- 
tinction ; because it far excels all other books. 
First, it was penned by the most excellent men 



214 LIFE OF JOHN FETTERHOFF. 

for wisdom and holiness, as Moses, David, 
Solomon, the prophets, apostles and evangel- 
ists. Second, these men were inspired of God. 
—(2 Tim. 3: 16; 2 Peter 1: 21.) God by 
his Spirit dictated all, therefore it is called the 
Word of God.— (1 Peter 1 : 25 ; Prov. 30 : 5 ; 
Isa. 40 : 8.) Though these books were written 
by different men in different ages, there is as 
great harmony in them as if they had been 
written by one man, at one time. Third, God 
is holy, perfect, pure and good, so is his Word 
hol}^ pure and good. Fourth, God is immuta- 
ble, so is his Word. It cannot be erased from 
this world while the world stands. — (Isa. 40 : 
8; Mark 13: 31.) Notwithstanding wicked 
men , some of hio^h grade and standino:, beino; 
under the influence of the devil, have done all 
the}^ could to banish the Bible from the world ; 
even at so late a date as 1872 they made an 
effort to banish it from the public schools in 
America, and here in Chambersburg, Pa., some 
priests in their church told their people that if 
they had a Bible in their house they should put 
it in the fire and burn it up : I say, notwith- 
standing all this effort to banish this Book from 
the land, thank God he has taken care of it so 
far, and he will take care of it to the end of 
time. '* It shall not pass away." Fifth, 



LIFE OF JOHN FETTERHOFF. 215 

God is light, therefore his Word is light. — 
(2 Cor. 4:4, 6 ; 1 Peter 1 : 19.) By it we 
have a knowledge of God, of the creation of the 
world, of the origin of man, of his relation and 
obligation to God, of his sin and fall by sin, of 
the plan of salvation and redemption through 
Christ, of a spirit world, of a home of happi- 
ness in that world for the good, and a place of 
torment for the bad. — (Matt. 25 : 32 to last 
verse.) Sixth, those nations who have not the 
Bible are under moral darkness and under the 
control of idolatry, priestcraft and darkest su- 
perstition, and in point of morals but little 
above the level of brutes. And what is com- 
mon to nations is common to individuals ; there- 
fore all bad men that ever lived in the world 
were those who had not the Bible, or if they 
had it they did not respect it enough to obey 
its precepts. Seventh, the best nations and 
such as are most exalted are those who seek to 
be guided and controlled by the Bible. — (Prov. 
14 : 34 ; Psa. 33 : 12.) " Righteousness exalt- 
eth a nation." Eighth, the best men that ever 
lived or are now living in the world, were and 
are those who love, read and study the Bi])le, 
and follow its precepts, trust its promises, and 
are controlled by it in all their ways in life. 
The patriarchs, prophets, apostles, and all the 



21 B LIFE or JOHN FETTEKHOFF. 

reformers and noted men for piety, wisdom and 
holy living, were men who loved and read the 
Bible. John Fletcher, one of the best men of 
England, noted for wisdom and piety, so much 
so that he was called the angelic Fletcher, 
wrote to one of his friends and said, " I seldom 
look into any book but my Bible." We repeat, 
all good men do love the Bible, are in God's 
favor, have peace of mind, are without fear, 
know that God will provide, protect and save 
them in heaven. Bad men do not love the 
Bible, seldom read it, are in moral darkness 
and in fear of the future, have no hope in death, 
die in despair and wake up in hell. *' In hell 
he lifted up his eyes. — (Luke 16 : 23.) There 
is no safety for a nation, church or individual 
but in keeping close to the pure Word of God, 
and the simplicity of the gospel of Jesus 
Christ. 

This Book of all books is the best, 
It leads the soul to endless rest; 
The way of life it doth point out, 
This I believe without a doubt. 
It often comforts my poor heart, 
Then for heaven I take fresh start; 
Thus it is my companion dear, 
While I do have to sojourn here ; 
Then when my time will come to die, 
Away to glory I will fly. 
And there enjoy an endless rest, 



LIFE O^ JOHN FETTEltHOFF. 217 

And be at home with all the blest, , • 
On that delightful, happy shore, 
Where pain and sorrow are no more. 
Then truly this Book is the best, 
It points from sin to .endless rest ; 
Through Jesus Christ's atoning blood, 
The soul may find its way to God. 
O holy Bible, Heavenly Word, 
Thou art indeed the Book of God ! 
AVith thee I never can depart. 
While life doth ebb in my poor heart. 

' 1873. January. During this entire month a 
meeting was protracted in the church in this 
place, but there was no move among sinners to 
seek salvation until the 14th, then a few came 
out for prayer, and from that on there were 
still more and more until one night there were 
nineteen out for prayer ; but on the whole there 
was more of the power of man manifested than 
the power of God. Some prayed and shouted 
long before they were blessed. Some nights 
two or three, and some nights none. Many 
sought the pardon of their sins, but more to be 
blessed and made happy than to have their sins 
pardoned, for they did not lay off their orna- 
ments. They would come to be prayed for 
with all their jewelry, feathers, flowers, 
flounces and saddles on their backs, and thus 
plainly showed that they believed God was a 
God of fashion and pride, and that he would 



218 ■ LIFE OF JOHN FETTEKHOFF. 

eventually take such to heaven as well as those 
who are humble and separate from the world, 
and live a holy, harmless and God-like life. 
There is still much snow and severe cold. 
The morning of the 29th was the coldest day 
that has been know^i in this country for many 
years. It was 28 degrees below zero, and the 
30th 14 below. 

February 2nd. This day we held a sacrament- 
al meeting. There was much good feeling, 
and a great time of rejoicing. There are some 
good saints here. 

5th. This day Susanna and I went to old 
George Fetterhoff's. He had a stroke of the 
palsy, but he is so that he can walk about and 
can talk well. 

6th. Got home. I have taken cold ; I am 
quite unwell. The dropsy is getting worse on 
me. I think it is caused from cold. 

20th, AVent to Shippensburg to the Penn- 
sylvania Annual conference. It is a small 
place, and was so much crowded that there was 
not much satisfaction. A few men do the bus- 
iness here and the others look on — will hardly 
venture to say a word for fear some one will 
bluff them off. 

21st. I left and went home. I think there 
was much show to please the world. 



LIFE OF JOHX FETTERHOFF. 219 

23rcl. Sunday. Heard Benjamin Huber. 
He is stationed here for the coming year. He 
talked well but did not preach much. 

March 3rd. Monday. Susanna and I start- 
ed for Circle vi lie, Ohio, to German conference. 
The 4th at 3 o'clock, A M., we got to the Ohio 
river, at 6 : 30 to Zanesville, and at 12 to Cir- 
cleville. Ministerial association in session. This 
was a pleasant afternoon. Much was said in 
true honesty and much good sense. 

5th. Wednesday. There were many ques- 
tions answered with much feeling. 

6th. Conference commenced. Bishop Gloss- 
brenner in the chair. Many of the old tried 
fathers were present, such as Henry Kumler, 
Folkel, Sholler, Yonnieda, &c. This was one 
of the most pleasant conferences I have witness- 
ed in many years. O such brotherly love and 
kindness. 

9th. Sunday. This day I preached twice 
for the colored people in their church. There 
was much feeling among them, and shouting. 
One old lady 92 years of age was very happy. 
At 3 o'clock we had communion in our church. 
It was truly a season of grace, vvhere toil-worn 
preachers did meet and celebrate the death of 
Jesus and his love to them. 

11th. Tuesday. Went to Zanesville in com- 



220 LIFE OF JOHN FETTERHOFF. 

pany with Bro. Sholler and wife. 

12th. Tarried here and visited some sick 
persons and prayed with them, and by candle- 
light preached to a called congregation. There 
are some good people here. 

13th. This day at 3 o'clock we started 
home. 14th at 9 o'clock got to Harper's Ferry, 
and got home at 5 o'clock, somewhat tired and 
not so w^ell. 

16th. Sunday. Heard Huber at 10, and 
Menges, the Lutheran preacher, in the evening. 
He preached a good practical sermon, pointing 
out the duty of Christians to God, to the church, 
and to their children. He reproved pride 
sharper than I had heard in a long time. 

18th. Made some garden. It is pleasant 
weather. 

20th. Snowed all day, it fell three inches 
deep. 

23rd. Sunday. At ten I heard Huber. 
At candle-light I preached for the colored peo- 
ple. There was a large congregation, and 
some were noisy. 

30th. Heard Huber twice. He is not a 
systematic preacher, but he talks well about 
Jesus and his love to us, but not so much how 
we ought to show our love to him. Pride and 
conformity to the world has got to be such a 



LIFE OF JOHX FETTERHOFF. 221 

big thing in the church that all the preachers 
are afraid of it. They will no more go near it 
in their sermons to get it out of the church than 
a female would undertake to pull a lion out of 
his cage. O no, that would not do for a hired 
preacher to preach about church members fol- 
lowing the tomfooleries of the world. AVhy, 
if he did, he would lose popularity and dollars. 

April 6th. Preached at Marion, and 13th 
held a Quarterly meeting at St. Thomas, on 
Bro. Corl's circuit. We were favored with 
the presence of the Lord. 

27th. Sunday. Preached in Fayetteville. 
This was a 'refreshing day to me. 

May 4th. In the forenoon I heard Dickson 
preach in the Brethren church. His preaching 
was sharp to the professors. It was what is 
needed. At 3 o'clock I attended the funeral of 
sister Detrick, and at candle-light I preached in 
our church to a laro^e cono:reo^ation. 

13th. Tuesday. At 8 : 50, A. M., my wife 
and I started for Indiana to see my children 
and ,fix up some other matters. We got to 
Altona at 7 : 30, P. M., and stayed over night 
with Bro. Detrick. 14th at 7: 40, A. M., 
took the cars and got to Pittsburg at 1 : 20, 
P. M. When we got within 14 miles of Pitts- 
burg the train stopped at a small station, and 



222 LIFE OF JOHN FETTEKHOFF. 

there a man lay dead on the cowcatcher. No 
one knew who he was, or Avhere he was from, 
or how he got there. They took him off and 
went on. We have not heard from him since. 

15th. Thursday. At 8: 30, A. M., we 
reached LaFayette, Ind., and then got to my 
daughter Christena at 12 o'clock and found them 
all well and pleased to see us. 

16th. I feel much better than I have for a 
long time. The weather is pleasant. 

18th. Sunday. This day we attended Sun- 
day-school, Bible class, and at 5 o'clock preach- 
ing. We stayed among our children and visited 
old acquaintances and preached to the people 
on Sundays until the 21st of June. We then 
went to Danville, 111. At this place I have seen 
much of the power of God among the people in 
former years. Since then they built a new 
church, the old one was too small. They keep 
it to hold their Sabbath-school in. It is Ger- 
man. The English United Brethren also have 
a church here, but it is weak. I preached 
twice for the Germans here. There was much 
rejoicing. From here we went to Perrysville 
to see my brother-in-law, J. Hoobler. 

29th. Sunday. I preached in the new 
brick church in the neighborhood where my 



LIFE OF JOHN FETTERHOFF. 223 

sons live. We had a blessed time here among 
our old neighbors. 

July. During this month we held some 
meetings at Weaver's school-house, and also at 
the new brick church on Buckcreek. At the 
school-house in my son-in-law's neighborhood 
we held a basket meeting the 13th of this month. 
David Brown and wife were present. There 
were many people and tender feelings. 

August 3rd. I gave a farewell address to 
my children and neighbors. It caused many 
tears. It is more than likely that we will never 
see each other again in this world. It is hard 
to part here with a faint thought of not meeting 
any more, but there is still one star of hope to 
meet after death never to part, but ever to be 
with the Lord. 

5th. At 3 : 40, A. M., we started at La- 
Fayette, Ind., for Chicago. We arrived there 
at 8: 30, A. M. At 10 o'clock, A. M., we 
took a steamer and crossed lake Michigan to 
St. Joseph. We arrived there at 4 o'clock, 
P. M., and found Bro. J. Slonecher in waiting. 
This was a pleasant day, the sky clear, the 
water calm. We stopped here at this place 
with Bro. Slonecher till the 12th. We saw 
much of this country, and the great fisheries, 
but the land is mostly a barren looking soil, 



224 LIFE OF JOHN FETTERHOFF. 

and for many miles it is planted with fruit trees, 
such as apples and pears, but more peach trees 
than any other. On Sunday, the 10th, I spoke 
twice in German to the Germans in St. Joseph 
in the Albright church. They have a small 
congregation here. 

12th. Tuesday. At 9 o'clock, P. M., we 
started back to Chicago. This night was a 
great trial to m}^ dear wife. The w^ind was 
high, some appearance of a storm coming, the 
waves rolled high, the ship rocked much from 
side to side, and Susanna took sea-sick soon aft- 
er we started and continued sick till we got 
across the lake (it is upwards of sixty miles) 
to Chicago. We left Chicago the 13th at 9 
o'clock, A. M., for Pittsburg, Pa. It was 
very dry and dusty. We got to Huntingdon, 
Pa., the 14th at 9 o'clock, A. M., and at 10 
o'clock I hired a hack to take us to a United 
Brethren camp meeting one and a half mile 
from town. But when we got there we found 
but two tent-holders there and no congregation. 
They had so much rain the day. before that the 
people were waiting for the rain to stop, but it 
is still raining every hour or two. 

16th. Saturday. It still continues to rain. 
Very few people. Preachers are coming in, 
but so few tent-holders it is hard to get lodg- 



LIFE OF JOHN FETTERUOFF. 225 

ing. But to-da}" we had a few diy sermons 
from paper to a few people. 

17th. Sunday. Not much rain this day, and 
the people came so that there was a good con- 
gregation : but the preaching was poor, and 
much of it read from paper, and no soul in it. 
Xone of the preaching I heard brought a tear 
from the eye of any hearer. They preached 
themselves, not Christ. On Monday morning, 
the ISth, we started home. It rained more or 
less all this day. We got home at 1 : 30, 
P. M., and found the friends all Avell, but 
many of the people died this summer while we 
were absent. 

23rd. Saturday. We went to camp meet- 
ing near Orrstown. This is a nice place to 
hold camp meeting. There are upwards of 
seventy tents and a vast crowd of people and 
many preachers. Bishop D. Edwards also is 
here. Some of the preaching had some effect, 
but none so much as that of Dro. Edwards. 
He preached twice ; it moved the people much 
to tears and there was great rejoicing among 
the Christians. But while we stayed — it was 
till Monday evening — there were but few sin- 
ners converted. There is not that converting 
power now at camp meetings we used to see. 
2S joined the church at this meeting, but how 



22(> LIFE or JOHN FETTERHOrr. 

many of them will be found faithful in three 
months time will tell. There are too many 
superficial converts. Monday evening we went 
home to prepare to tent at the Marion camp 
meeting on the Greencastle circuit the 29th. 
We (Levi Oyler's and us) had a tent. We 
stayed during the meeting. There was good 
feeling among the professors, and some con- 
verts. Bishop Edwards preached three times 
at this meeting, and each time Avith much pow- 
er and good effect. A great part of the preach- 
ing of others was read from old manuscript, 
and, of course, was lifeless, because it was 
aimed at the head and not at the heart. They 
seek to preach themselves and not Christ and 
thus obtain some honor from man, (which they 
seek,) but not from the Father. — (John 12 : 26.) 
On Sunday there were more people at this 
meeting than I have ever seen at one place ; 
they could not all get inside of the circle of the 
tents. It was supposed that ten or fifteen hun- 
dred Avere outside that could not well get inside. 

September 4th. The meeting closed. Some 
went home joyful in the Lord, and some no 
better than they were when they went there. 

7th. Sunday. I preached at Fayette ville to 
ao attentive congregation. It is pleasant to 
have the Lord Jesus present to bless. At 3 



LIFE OF JOHN FKTTEKHOFF. 227 

o'clock I preached at the chapel. On Saturday, 
the 13th, Bro. Anthony came for me and took 
me down to Bluerock, near Quincy, to help 
him hold a protracted meeting. At this meet- 
ing I preached three times. There was a large 
concourse of people at each coming together. 
There were rising of twenty converted ; eighteen 
united with the church. At this meetins: I 
over- worked myself, took cold, and came near 
having a spell of sickness again. I took a bad 
cough and sore throat. 

28th. Sunday. Went with Bro. P. Nick- 
las to a sacramental meetins^. There was 2rood 
feelincr in time of communion. In the evenins^ 
some six or eight came out for prayer ; one or 
two were blessed. It was a good time. 

30th. Tuesday evening I preached here 
again. One more professed to have obtained 
pardon of sin, and rejoiced in the Lord Jesus. 
Bro. Nicklas knows how to labor with mourn- 
ers. 

October. I feel much worn, and my breast 
and throat are sore. I need rest. 

12th. Sunday. I preached at the Worm- 
spring road school-house and baptized three. 
During the remainder of this month I attended 
meeting and heard others preach. 
. November. This month I was much about 



22^ lAFK i)F .JOH^ FKTTEKIIOIF. 

home. We had several excellent class meet- 
higs in our house. The 10th, 11th and 12th 
Bishop Edwards was with us and preached 
three sermons ; two on holiness, and one against 
secret orders. He has a clear head and warm 
heart. 

IDth. J. Senseny was huvied. He was an 
old member of the church at this place, and all 
had confidence in h\nx. He is much missed. 
He had been class leader (juite a number of 
years and an energetic exhorter. 

20th. So far I have [)reached upwards of 
three thousand seven hundre.d, (3,700) times. 
Preached at New Lancaster circuit (Ohio) 234 
times, Miami circuit 312 times, Cincinnati cir- 
cuit 483 times. Brush Creek circuit 75 times. 
Twin Creek circuit 419 times, Whitacher circuit 
79 times, Frankfort station (Ind.) 302 times, 
Four-mile circuit 395 times, Vermillion circuit 
55 times, AVild Cat circuit 381 times, Kockville 
circuit 325 times, Dayton circuit 152 times, 
Seven-mile circuit 183 times, Climer's circuit 95 
times, in Pennsylvania 235 times. 

29th. Susanna and I went to George Fet- 
terhoff's. He had a long spell of sickness, 
more than ten months, but he now is much 
better. On Sunday at 3 o'clock I preached to 
the people here. 



LIFE OF JOHN' FETTEKHOFF. 229 

December. This has been a very mild fall so 
far, no snow yet worth naming. The people 
are plowing now and have been every week 
this fall. i:Uh and 14th Avife and I were at 
Fayetteville. I preached twice to the people. 
Two were at the altar for prayer, but neither of 
them were blessed in the pardon of sin. This 
week I looked over the minutes of the Annual 
conferences held since the General conference 
of May, 1873, and I find that those Annual 
conferences which have passed strong resolu- 
tions to enforce Discipline against secrecy, and 
strongly manifested their opposition to the 
lodge, have all reported an increase, and some 
a very heavy increase, some upwards of four 
hundred, while those conferences which were 
very mild toward secrecy and those which pass- 
ed it by in silence had a heavy decrease, and 
none much increase. Thus it proves that the 
friendship of the world is. enmity with God. 
AVhosoever, therefore, will be the friend of the 
world is the enemy, of God.— (James 4: 4.) 
It is apparent that there are unhappy difteren- 
ces of opinion existing in our church in regard 
to our church law against secret societies. 
Those who do not approve of the law as it now 
is give no proof to others that they are true 
men, and that they love the church and cause of 



230 LIFE OF JOHN FETTEKHOFF. 

Christ generally. Such persons have no right 
to state their opinions against our church 
law and consider themselves loyal members 
while they vilify the church and are guil- 
ty of presumptions assurances. Such are not 
entitled to Christian courtesy. To intimate 
that they are welcome to walk out of the church 
(as some have done) is sensible and highly per- 
tinent. If sons will not submit to the laws of 
parents, but seek to make a disturbance in the 
family, they ought to leave home, and not seek 
to keep up a disturbance in the family about a 
law their fathers had before they were born. 
Some of those persons have disregarded the 
law of the church and have connected them- 
selves with oath-bound secrecy whose constitu- 
tion and practices are manifestly anti-christian. 
Such are highly censurable for so doing, and 
the church should speedily purge itself from 
them. The place where the shoe pinches is, 
the execution of the law which requires the 
expulsion from the church of those who have 
thus sinned is in the hands of these milk and 
water men who wish to hold the reins of the 
church in their hands. We can not conceive 
that any persons have for a commendable pur- 
pose connected themselves with a nefarious 
fraternity that lays its schemes in the dark for 



LIFE OF JOHN FETTEKHOFF. 231 

sinister purposes. A law requiring so just an 
act, to expel such from the church is in itself a 
moral law, and will be respected by all con- 
scientious ministers of the gospel of Christ. 
The radical, good sense view is that the church 
can in her General conference, by a majority of 
votes, settle questions of faith, determine con- 
ditions of Christian fellowship, &c. If so, 
what is to hinder them (if they wish to) from 
making a uniform of dress, since the Bible, Old 
and New Testament, do so, (see Lev. 19 : 19 ; 
Deut. 22 : 11, 12 ; Ex. 33 : 5 ; Isa. 3 : 18-25 ; 
1 Tim. 2 : 9 ; 1 Pet. 3 : 3, 4,) and thus determ- 
ine conditions of membership in the church, 
and separate such from them who fellowship 
the unfruitful works of darkness ? The church 
is not, as a railroad company, governed by a 
worldly charter of her own making, so that she 
can take into her union infidels and worldly- 
minded persons, but she is under divine insti- 
tution, the constitution — the Bible, where right 
gives might. Excommunication is too lightly 
respected by many, therefore we see the enor- 
mous corruption that there is in many of the 
churches. God is not a Freemason, notwith- 
standing a preacher said so ; he never was 
incorporated into a lodge. If he had been he 
would not have kept the secret. The prophet 



232 LIFE or JOHN FETTEIJHOrr. 

said he (God) revealeth his secrets. — (Amos 
3:7.) To say that God is a Freemason is 
blasphemy. The same preacher also said that 
Jesus was an Odd Fellow. Christ says, " In 
secret have I said nothing." — (John 18: 20.) 
But it is said Christ went secretly up to Jeru- 
salem, and on one occasion hid himself, and the 
disciples held secret meetings for fear of the 
Jews. If secret order men are afraid that the}^ 
will be assassinated and their lives taken by 
mol) force before their work which God has 
appointed to them on earth is finished, let them 
hide themselves if they have the same object 
in view that Christ and the apostles had — the 
salvation of souls, and thus save themselves 
from an untimely death. But to hide and hold 
secret meetings for the purpose of laying 
schemes to take advantage of their fellow be- 
ings and screen themselves from justice and 
clear the guilty for reward, (Isa. 5: 23,) or 
take the life of some person, like that of Wm. 
Morgan, such secrecy is nefarious. Some have 
joined secret societies and sworn many oaths 
to obtain a knowledge of certain grips, signs 
and passwords, by the use of which they hope 
to get assistance in any time of trouble. Some- 
times these things may be useful, but the child 
of God, who knows the real Christian grip of 



LIFE OF JOHN FETTEIHIOFF. 233 

love to God and man, and has the l)lessed name 
of Jesus for his password, has better light than 
he can get by traveling east with his eyes 
blindfolded, and nothing but his shirt and 
drawers on, because Christ is the light himself, 
and a friend indeed, and everywhere present, 
and will help those who put their trust in him : 
but " thus saith the Lord, Cursed be the man 
that trusteth in man, or maketh flesh his arm." 

21st. 1 went in company with Bro. Peter 
Xicklas to the Salem church. AVe had a bles- 
sed meeting ; there Avas much weeping. 

24th. I preached the funeral of Kebecca 
Poper, aged 25 years and 2 months. She had 
been sick onl}- three days, but best of all she 
sought and found the Lord Jesus in the pardon 
of her sins a few months before her death. 
Her last words were, " Come, Lord Jesus, and 
take me from this world of trouble, and let me 
walk the gold-paved streets of the Xew eJeru- 
salem with the saints above." Never before 
did I see and hear at a funeral such Aveeping 
throuohout the cono^rec^ation. It Avas truly a 
solenm time. On New Year's eve Ave held a 
meeting in our church. It lasted until twelve 
and a half o'clock. There Avas the best and 
warmest feeling I have Avitnessed for some 
time : there Av^as much Aveeping and shouting. 



234 LIFE or JOHN fettp:khoff. 

Thus the year 1873 has come to an end, but 
the goodness of Jesus has not come to an end. 
He has been kind all the year through ; he oft- 
en blessed my poor soul when engaged in secret 
prayer, and when trying to preach the gospel," 
and warded off many dangers, so that I and 
my Susanna are still alive, while many others 
have died, and some to be feared in their sins. 
Praise the Lord for his love and free salvation 
to us. 

1874. January 4th. Sunday. I preached 
twice for the colored people, at 10 o'clock and 
at candle-light. They are much pleased to 
have white men preach to them, it seems to do 
them much good. 

11th. Sunday. Quarterly meeting. There 

was much feelinfy and shoutino^ in time of com- 
es o 

munion. At candle-light I preached for the 
Africans to a crowed house ; there was much 
rejoicing. 

17th. Saturday. AVent to the Cold Spring 
church. In the evening three came and bowed 
at the altar for prayei*. One was made happy 
in believinof. 

18th. Sunday. Preached twice. At can- 
dle-light four came forward for prayer. The 
Lord is at work. 

22nd. Thursday. This day my daughter. 



LIFE OF JOHX FETTERHOFF. 235 

George Upp's wife, and my son Samuel, came 
from the state of Indiana to pay us a visit. It 
gives much joy when children after a long ab- 
sence meet their parents and all is well. Dur- 
ing the remainder of this month w^e went to see 
our kinfolks, and also saw the Alto Dale fur- 
nace. It is a great'and extensive affair. 

February 1st. Sunday. We attended our 
church in Chambersburg. There is a protract- 
ed meetino^ Sfoino: on here for the last four 
weeks. There were so far a number of whole 
and half converts, and the meeting is still going 
on. 

2nd. Monday. Samuel and Christena went 
to Adams county and returned on Saturday 7th, 
This week we had the first snow of note this 
winter. 

8th. Sunday. I preached for the Africans. 
It was an interesting scene to Samuel. He 
said he never had seen so many colored people 
together at one time. 

12th. Thursday. This morning my chil- 
dren started home on the 5 o'clock train. 

15th. Sunday. I preached at the Salem 
church. Ten came out for prayer, and three 
were made happy. There was much joy ; some 
leaped, run and praised God like the lame man 
at the temple when he was healed. 



236 LIFE OF JOHN fetti:khoff. 

2()th. Friday. Went to Annual conference 
at i\Iechanicsburg. I stayed until Saturday 
evening. During the time I was there they 
sought to lay plans to run colleges, make 
preachers and get money from the people to 
support fat offices and high stations in high 
places, c^c. 

22nd. Sunday. At 10 o'clock I preached 
German in our church in Chambersburs:. There 
was a good, warm feeling and many tears. 
The Germans are neglected. 

March. During this month I preached six 
times, some for the colored people, and out at 
Cold Spring, and a funeral for Mary Cites at 
Greencastle. She was converted to the Lord 
Jesus some three years ago. She had much 
opposition from her parents, but she put her 
trust in Jesus and lived near a throne of grace, 
and was happy in God and respected by all 
who knew her. On the 21st she ate a hearty 
breakfast and then went to her work, and 
while at work she dropped suddenly and in 
fifteen minutes her spirit took its flight. Never 
in my life did I know or hear of so many sud- 
den deaths as within the last year, yet with all 
this warning people seem to get more hard and 
wicked. It is as said in the book of Revela- 
tion, the rest repented not. 



LIFE OF JOHX FETTEKHOFF. 237 

April. During this month I preached seven 
times. On the 19th I preached the funeral of 
Frederic Glosser, one of the old tried members 
of this church. lie had been class leader many 
years and truly a burning and shining light. 
His last words were, " I have never enjoyed 
such peace as now." Truly, " Blessed are the 
dead which die in the Lord," they go where 
they rest from their labor and are free fiom all 
the trials and sorrows of this life. 

May. During this month I spoke eight 
times. I filled some appointments on the cir- 
cuit, and attended to a class on Tuesday 
evenings. We had some blessed, soul-cheering 
times in class meetings. 

June. Susanna and I went on a visit to 
cousin George Fetterholf's. It is pleasant to 
have the company of faithful persons who are 
full of the Spirit of God, and heaven-bound. 
There is then constant sunshine. 

July. This month I spoke seven times ; 
twice for the Methodists here in town. The 
10th I preached the funeral of old mother 
Huber, wife of Abraham Huber. She was up- 
wards of eighty years of age and was a bright 
Christian upwards of sixty years. Her husband 
is in his eighty-ninth year. Their house was a 
house of prayer and preaching for many years. 



238 LIFE OF JOHN FETTERHOFF. 

August. This month I was much afflicted 
with neuralgia in my neck and head, and 
rheumatic pain in my limbs. My entire system 
is effected. 

22nd. We went to Orrstown camp meeting. 
This was the largest camp meeting I ever was 
at. There were near one hundred tents, and 
many of the tents had from two to three or 
more families in them. There was the best of 
order and much converting power. The preach- 
ing was good on the whole. Bishop Edwards 
preached three times with much feeling. Many 
were converted and saved from sin. This meet- 
ing will live long in the minds of the people ; 
no doubt much good was done. 

29th. Susanna and I went to Armstrong 
Valley, Dauphin county, Pa., to a camp meet"^ 
ing. This meeting was held near Jackson. 
There were only eighteen tents, and not so 
very many people, save on Sunday, but plenty 
of preachers, some from Annville college. Nev- 
er have I been at a meeting where I thouo-ht 
there was so much effort made to display and 
show out as at this place. The most of the 
preaching was head-work, and not much heart- 
work. They tried to force things, but there 
was no power of the Spirit with it, and but few 
were converted. So it is when men seek to do 



LIFE OF JOHN FETTEKHOFF. 2i>^J 

big things without God's help — the}^ will fail. 
The meeting broke on Friday, the 4th of Sep- 
tember, and on Saturday we went to Philip 
Fetterhoff's. This is a pleasant family. He is 
a brother to sister Enders, where we had our 
pleasant home and stay during camp meeting. 
She and her husband are kind to a fault. Her 
kindness knows no bounds, only Avhen she 
meets with impossibilities. 

September 6th. I preached in Jackson at 
10 o'clock, and at 3 o'clock, in FetterhofTs 
church. There was a large congregation at 
both places. Some came a distance the report 
said. Preachino^ had a sfood effect on some 
church people. Monday and Tuesday we stay- 
ed with Joseph Fetterhoff, and Wednesday, 
9th, (my birthday of seventy-six,) we started 
home. In the evening we got home. All is 
well, and we are glad. God is good. O how 
I ought to love and praise him for his kindncvss 
to me in sparing me and bearing with me seven- 
ty-six years. Thousands have been taken away 
younger. They are gone and I am almost left 
alone of all my young school mates. O the 
many dangers and hardships I have passed 
through. God is good ! 

13th. Sunday. Commenced a protracted 
meeting at the Webster school-house. We 



240 LIFE ()F .JOHN FETTEKHOFF. 



had some success ; two were converted. AVe 
kept the meeting up over one week. 

October. During this month I preached six 
times. We were much blessed and had some 
joyful meetings. At the Webster school-house 
two were brightly converted. At the Imman- 
uel church and at Clark's school-house there 
was much joy and feeling. 

November 1st. Sunday. I preached for 
the colored people. They were very noisy, 
and nmch shouting is done by them. Some 
are truly pious. Some are too excitable. 

15th. Susanna and I went to the Episcopa- 
lian church — a special meeting — and saw some 
heathenish performances in the name of Chris- 
tianity. O such, monkey performances called 
worship. The 17th and 19th heard Amanda 
Smith, a colored woman. She is a mystery to 
all that heard her. She has a well-balanced 
mind, warm with the love of God, and well 
seasoned with grace, and her singing is raptur- 
ous ; it carries the mind away. 

December. During this month I preached 
ten times ; held some protracted meetings. 
The 0th I held one at Oakgrove school-house. 
There w^as much feeling and joy among the 
Christians, but there were no sinners converted. 

13th. Quarterly meeting at home in our 



LIFE OF JOHN FETTEUHOFF. 241 

church. There was good feeling among profess- 
ors, but no convicting power among sinners. 
The 20th and the 27th I had moetinic at Pond- 
town. Here the Lord met with us in power ; 
sinners were convicted, old men and women 
wept like children, six were converted. One 
sister that weighs 319 pounds shouted, leaped 
and prais^ .1 God. The people in these parts 
are most all poor, as to earthly treasures, but 
it seems that their hearts are not so hardened 
and filled up with the cares and riches of the 
world that the gospel of Christ cannot imd a 
lodgment there. O how hardly will a rich man 
enter the kingdom of heaven. 

1875. Januar}'. Now we enter on a new 
year. Last year I spoke 74 times ; what this 
year will bring forth time will show. During 
this month I held meetings at different ])laces, 
and had some omens of good. Meeting wus 
protracted in Chambersburg all this month. 
There was much hard labor to effect some good, 
and there was at times much joy among the 
church members, but it did not effect sinners 
much. Many came out to be prayed for, but 
the conviction was not sufficient to biing them 
as real penitents to the throne of grace, there- 
fore their conversion is not genuine. This 
winter was cold, and there was much snow. 



^4^ LIFE OF JOHN FETTEKHOFF., 

The 26th of March the snow was jet about ten 
inches deep, and the weather was cold. The 
28th was warm and the snow went away. The 
7th of April w^e made garden. The 13th snow 
fell five inches deep, and the next day it was 
gone. We had no nice, settled weather until 
May. Everything is late. The forepart of 
this summer I was much afflicted with dizziness, 
but I held meeting at different places, and every 
two wrecks in the house of Bro. Williams 
(colored). Here we have had blessed times on 
account of the presence of the Lord, I also 
preached at Immanuel, at Salem and at Pond- 
toAvn. August 2ord I went to Orrstown camp 
meeting. Many preachers were present ; Bish- 
op Edwards and Bro. Hott also, They preach- 
ed with much power. It was a good meeting, 
niany were trul}^ blessed. 

27th. I went to the Dutch settlement to 
camp meeting. During this meeting there were 
some conversions, but it was somewhat cloudy, 
the moral sky was not clear, some preach- 
ing was much Avind-work, the persons preach- 
inof themselves, not Christ. O how some 
do aim to show themselves and please the fancy 
of vain, worldly-minded men. Such men had 
better go to some other business, but they pre- 
fer to get pay without work. 



LIFE OF JOHN FETTElfllOFF. 24o 

September 6th. Wife and I went to camp 
meeting in Adams Co., on Bro. Wickey's cir- 
cuit. At this meeting there was much of the 
spirit of the world shown. Some preachers 
did not conceal their love for secrecy. O such 
mules. 

October 12th. Susanna and I started for 
Indiana to see my children. They have been 
writing to us and wishing us to come. We got 
along pleasantly, and arrived at LaFayette the 
14th at 7 o'clock. George Upp and my 
daughter were there awaiting our arrival. We 
found them , all well and much pleased to 
see us. We stayed here with my daughter 
until the 21st, and then went to David Brown's ; 
he is sick. The 28th my son Christian came 
after us. We went with him to his house and 
stayed here about twelve weeks. We had a 
protracted meeting here that lasted over the 
holidays. Some souls were much benelitted. 
I did much preaching during this meeting. 
The weather was warm and beautiful. On 
New Year's dny it was so warm that the snakes 
made their appearance. One w^as killed in the 
church yard, and three at other places. 1 am 
glad that all my children and their companions, 
atid eight, of my grandchildren belong to the 
church and sustain an unblemished character. 



244 LIFE OF JOHN FETTKUllOFF. 

They iire highly esteemed. There wjis much 
joy among them during this meeting. It was 
pleasant to hear them speak of Jesus. During 
the year 1875 I preached or spoke Go times, 
notwithstanding I was much atflicted at times 
with dizziness and dropsy ; but the Lord helped 
me. I also spent much time in writing for the 
Earnest Christian, a monthly magazine pub- 
lished by the Free Methodists. They are a 
church that have separated from the ^lethodist 
Episcopal church on account of secrecy, pride 
and worldly habits that have crowded into that 
church. It has been said by some of their own 
members that they take the lead of all other 
churches in harboring all those things. Many 
of their leading ministers are bound by oath 
into brotherhood with intidels and notorious 
enemies of Christ and his cause. How those 
men can reconcile their conduct with the Word 
of God is a mystery. The Word says, "Be 
not unequally yoked together with unbelievers : 
for what fellowship hath righteousness with 
unrighteousness? and what communion hath 
light with darkness? and Avhat concord hath 
Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that 
believeth with an infidel?"— (2 Cor. 6 : 14, 15 ; 
and see Rom. 12: 2; Josh. 23: 13, 14; 
1 Kings 11 : 2.) But God's law is not consult- 



LIFE OF JOHN FETTERHOFF. 245 

ed where the love of honor, pride and the 
world has the lead in the heart. 

1876. This year came in very warm and 
mild, it was more like May than January. It 
caused me to write the following lines : 

JANUARY FIRST. 

This is a very pleasant day, 

It seems near like the month of May ; 

But it may be when May is here, 

It will be cold that time of year ; 

There may be then some heavy frosts, 

And thus the fruit may all be lost ; 

There also may be a deep snow 

In April next, we do not know ; 

It has been so in former days, 

And so it may be then the case. 

It need not now to you be told, 

That if it's so it will be cold ; 

The farmers then would like to plow. 

They say it's time to sow oats now, 

And tend to all, yes, every thing 

That should be done in time of spring ; 

For if we wait for better weather, 

Then too much work will come together: 

Which first to do they do not know, 

They hardly know at what to go. 

And some will then forget their God, 

And very seldom read his Word ; 

And family prayer is laid aside, 

But work, yes, work with all their might. 

Their heart will then grow (old and dark, 

It may but leave a little spark, 

That must be roused into a flame 

Before thev shout the Saviour's nunc. 



24(3 LIFE OF JOHN FETTERHOFF. 

This day I preached twice in the Forest church, 
Carroll Co., Ind., and next day, Sunday, twice 
to crowded congregations, and much feeling 
among the people. I still continued with the 
people at this place until the 25th. (My son 
Christian took us to my daughter.) On the 
11th of January Susanna fell off the wagon on 
the rough, frozen ground, and was badly hurt, 
especially her left arm. She may not be able 
to use it for some time. She can not close her 
fingers to hold a pin or dress herself. Here 
we stopped with my daughter six weeks, and 
held meeting and preached to the people. 
Some joined the church and some were con- 
verted during our stay in Indiana. I preached 
and talked 39 times to the people. We had 
intended to start for home the TthofjNIarch, 
but Jacob Hupright died the Gth ; (wife and I 
Avere present and saw him breathe his last, 
calmly as a candle flickers away ;) and so they 
prevailed on me to sti;y and preach his funeral 
the next day. It rained some and there was a 
cold wind, but the congregation was large and a 
general weeping time throughout the crowd. 
He Avas a quiet, peaceable man, and a member 
of the church many years. On AVcdncsday, 
March 8th, Ave started for home, hr.d pleasant 
Aveathei-, and got home the next day at 5 



LIFE OF JOHN FETTERHOFF. 247 

o'clock and found all well and glad to see each 
other safe. Many of the friends came flocking 
in to see us. They seemed glad to see us, and 
we feel thankful that God has so kindly taken 
care of us and brought us so safely along 
throuojh danofer seen and unseen. 

12th. We had Bible class at Bro. Williams' 
at 1 o'clock, and meeting at 4. 

14th. Tuesday. Class meeting in our house. 
There was nmch of the power of God felt and 
enjoyed ; it was a noisy time. It seems the 
Lord is pleased to meet with us at this place 
and bless us. 

April. During this month I spoke six times. 
At a Quarterly conference in Chambersburg 
facts were confirmed that were stated by Bishop 
Edwards some three jears ago, namely, that if 
three or four men who belono- to secret lodo^es 
get into a society, they will either rule or ruin. 
This has proven true in Chambersburg. Some 
crept into the church in this place, but the 
preacher was not in sympathy with secrecy, so 
they kept dark and lay low ; on)}' once in a 
while they would shew signs of wishing to rule. 
But now they have a preacher who is in lull 
sympath}^ with them, if he is not one of them ; 
therefore they crawled out like snakes out of 
their dens in the spring, and are bold and defi- 



2i^ LIFE OF JOHN FETTEKHOFF. 

ant. They took the power of the trustees into 
their hands, had new seats niade for the church, 
removed the pulpit, changed the sitting on the 
pulpit and the deposit for the Sabbath-school 
library. This was all done without consulting 
the ])oard of trustees. One of the trustees took 
it in hand to oppose this unlawful ruling. 
They soon spotted him for ruin, and where 
they can not destroy the body they will seek to 
destroy the character. Therefore, at the Quar- 
terly conierence the 15th of April, they sought 
to put the said trustee out of office, and take 
away his license to preach. All this was done 
without giving him previous notice, or trial. 
No respect was had to Discipline, though the 
attention of the presiding elder was called to 
Discipline ; but when they failed to expel him 
they appointed a prosecuting committee, and 
also a connnittee to try him, and raised a great 
rumor to darken his character, but nothing else 
was done. They got to know that they had 
proceeded in a nefarious way. Then at the 
next Quarterly conference the ^^th of July, they 
sought to retract and take a fresh start. A 
motion was then oifered that the Discipline 
should be respected and enforced, l)ut as there 
was a secrecy majority the motion did not pre- 
vail. Thus this (Quarterly conference is with- 



LIFE OF JOHX FETTEHHOFF. 241) 

out l.'iw. AVe are inclined to think it suits the 
presiding elder, Z. A. Colestock, and Schlich- 
ter, Avell, only in this : according to their vote 
they can not make members pay. 

July 13th. We have so far had the warmest 
season known in this country. During June 
the thermometer was often up to 95 degrees, 
but in this month, July, it was more constantly 
warm. Up to this day the themometer was up 
to 95 every day, and some days 100 in the 
shade. 

Kith. Preached at Cold Spring. There was 
a blessed time at this meeting. 

23rd. I preached to the colored people. 
There Avas a time of rejoicing among them. 

August 24th. Camp meeting at George 
Fetterhotl's. Durinc: this meetins^ there was 
not much converting power ; there was too 
much of self and not enough of Christ in preach- 
ing, praying and singing. Few converts. 

September 2nd. Went to camp meeting- 
nine miles east of Shippensburg. Here wife 
and I stopped till Tuesday morning. I think 
that there was more effort made in preaching to 
show themselves than to preach Christ to the 
people, therefore not nmch good was done. 

5th. Tuesday. Went to Dillsburg to Bro. 
AVicke^^'s camp meeting. At this meeting there 



250 LIFE OF JOHN FETTERHOFF. 

was more of Christ in preaching, and God 
blessed the labors. 

25th. Started for Dayton, Ohio, to German 
Annual conference. Arrived the 2 (3th at 2 
o'clock. Ministerial association. Pleasant and 
friendly in debating subjects. 

28th. Conference met; Bishop Weaver in 
the chair. Most of the preachers were present. 
All went off pleasant and brotherly, with a 
o^ood feelino^. The business was all done in 
two and a half days. On Sundaj^ October 1st, 
I preached for the Methodists at 10 o'clock, 
and at candle-light in the Summit street U. B. 
church. Many people were here. 

October 2nd. My wife and I went to the 
Soldier's Home. Here are man\^ wonders of 
nature to be seen — of animals, birds and insects, 
and many invalids that were crippled during the 
late war. Here they have fine homes, beauti- 
ful buildings, good beds and board. During 
our sta^^ at Dayton we had our lodging with my 
old Bro. Kumler. We have been intimate 
companions since the year 1819, and got along 
in peace. O how pleasant it is when brethren 
dwell together in unity. 

5th. Went to Springfield to see Susanna's 
aunt and cousins. We found them well. 

()th. Started homeward. 



LIFE OF JOHX FETTERIIOFF. 251 

7th. AVe got to Harrisburg at 4 o'clock, A. 
M., and to Halifax at 7, A. M. 

8th. I spoke to the Sabbath-school in Fet- 
terhoff's chapel, and at 3 o'clock I preached to 
the people. They are hard church people, but 
God's Spirit can make them feel. We stayed 
among the friends till Friday, then went home 
and found my grandson Husten FetterhoiF there 
waitinof for us. 

15th. Spoke at Williams'. We had a 
blessed time as usual ; God is Avith this people. 

22nd. I preached in Clarksville. Here no 
ii^ood can be done until there is a chano^e of 
preacher and more lo3^alty to the church. 
Strancre that men will seek to belono; to a 
church and not res[)ect the laws of the church, 
and thus cause trouble and contention. On 
Monday, 23rd, Bro. P. Nicklas' trial was held 
in the church (caused by the enemies of some 
law of the church, and his foes). The trial 
lasted from 1 o'clock, V. M., till 12, P. M. 
The whole showed hatred, and proved to have 
l)een gotten up through ill-will, and was a mock 
nffair. 

November. This month 1 preached live 
times ; four times in Clarksville. We had 
cheerful times in our little meetings. Our 
rlass meetings were much blessed : there was a 



252 LIFE OF JOHN FETTEKHOFF. 

"Treat time of reioicini>" amoni]^ old members. 

December 10th. This was the coldest morn- 
ins: so far this fall. The thermometer stood 2 
desrrees below Zero ; not much snow. 

24th. AVe had a sacramental meeting at 
Williams'. O Avhat tears of joy and heart-felt 
praise to God. It was pleasant to be there to 
see ditierent colors and names meet at the one 
table of the Lord. 

25th. At 5 o'clock in the morning twenty- 
two met at our house for prayer meeting. 
Such a display of the power of God to bless is 
seldom seen ov heard. In the evening: the last 
Quarterly conference for this year was held in 
the church. Secrecy proclivity had its own 
Avay. Well did Solomon say, " He that justi- 
fieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the 
just, even they both are abomination to the 
Lord. — (Prov. 17: 15.) All this was done. 
The 31st we met in Clarksville to hold a meet- 
ing over midnight. There was peculiar power 
of fi:race, so much excitement that the meeting' 
lasted till near two o'clock in the morning. 
Thus ended the year 187(). During this 3'ear 
now past 1 spoke 70 times. I had some joyful 
days in this year, and also some days of trial 
and sorrow. 

1877. January. Durino- this month an 



LIFE OF JOHN FETTEKJIOFF. '2oo 

evangelist by the name of Xeedham came to 
this place and labored in preaching and giving 
Scripture lessons. lie had great influence on 
the communitj^ and his labors had great and 
good elFect upon the people and churches. No 
doubt he is a man of God, for God is with him 
to bless. On Sunday, the 28th, I preached to 
the p?^upers at the almshouse. There was some 
good done. The poor gladly hear the gospel. 
February ()th. Went to Baltimore to the 
Annual conference, on account of church diffi- 
culties that took place here in Chambersburg 
through the preacher in charge's refusal to do 
his duty, and enforce Discipline against secrecy, 
and the presiding elder defending him in his 
course, and refusing to let him have a trial. 
Therefore it was appealed to Annual confer- 
ence. But a majority being in sympathy with 
secrecy the charges against the preacher were 
tabled without a hearing, and the presiding 
elder adjudged guilty of maladministration by 
the bishop, and thus they dropped it. Then 
an appeal was taken to the General conference, 
and there it was decided that the proceeding 
of the presiding elder was illegal, and the whole 
case lies open for trial, both of preacher and 
elder. Notwithstanding a heavy petition was 
sent to Annual conference not to send the said 



254 LIFE OF JOHN FETTFKIIOFF. 

preacher back, it was overruled and he was 
returned, to the grief of many of the best and 
most pious members. But they refuse to 
hear him preach, or pay him ; therefore they 
hold meetings in private houses and the bless- 
ing of God attends and falls upon them at all 
their meetings, with few exceptions, and the 
congregation that meets to hear him preach is 
small. Unrighteousness ma^^ triumph for a 
while, but the right will prevail in the end. 

March. This month was much colder, and 
more snow fell, than in February. Our class, 
prayer and preaching meetings were well at- 
tended, .and much of the presence of God and 
his blessino: was seen and felt — his oroodness 
is great. 

April. During this month I spoke six times ; 
four times at Clarksville ; and the manifestation 
of God's grace was with us each time, so that 
there was great joy among his people. 

May. This month I spoke five times. It is 
very pleasant to be at meeting with those who 
fear the Lord and enjoy his presence. We had 
blessed times at every coming together. The 
truly faithful to God and his service have been 
driven away from the church by those who love 
the customs of the world more than they love 



LIFE OF JOHN FETTErvHOFF. 2.j5 

the meek and lovely Jesus and his system of 
worship. 

Jmie, This month I spoke three times, and 
heard J. Fohl once, and J. M. Bishop once. 
Both preached at Clarksville with good effect, 

July. This month I spoke four times. 
Quarterly meeting was held the 14th. At this 
meeting the secrecy clan sought to stop Bros. 
Fohl, Bickley and myself from preaching to the 
people at Clarksville, though we held our 
meetings at 4 o'clock, P. M., an hour of the 
day in which they had no meeting. The troub- 
le Avas, the most fiiithful Christians came to our 
meetings, but refused to hear such as disre- 
spect our church law. At this Quarterly meet- 
ing the secrecy combination put out of office 
all the lo3'al class leaders and stewards and 
thus left laro^e classes that were in o-ood work- 
ing order without leaders. They did not give 
previous notice of charge or complaint of neg- 
lect of duty, because there was none. Bishop 
Glossbrenner was present but gave not a Avord 
of reproof against the unlawful proceeding, but, 
Gallio like, cared for none of these things. It 
was plain that his mind was biased. The 
friends of secvecu had had him in their company 
for several days before they usurped this pow- 
er to put the best of men out of office without 



256 LIFE OF JOHN FETTEKHOFF. 

previous notice or complaint for neglect of 
duty, because there was none. Thus they dis- 
oro:anized and disbanded lara^e classes that had 
been in good working order, and not long after 
this made it known in the public congregation 
that these leaders and stewards were no longer 
members of the church, without giving them a 
trial or hearing, although the Discipline forbids 
suspending or expelling a member prior to a 
committee trial. When bishops and presiding 
elders disrespect the law of the church, w^here, 
yes wlieve will the church drift to ? So it was 
in the days of the Jews when they had kings 
and priests that affiliated with idolatry ; then 
heathenism prevailed. 

August. This month I spoke four times. 
The f)th at Williams' to a crowded house. 
There was a time of weeping, some for joy, 
and some on account of their sins and an absent 
Saviour. The 10th of this month Eev. B. T. 
Roberts, of the Free Methodist church, put up 
a tabernacle in Chambersburg to hold a pro- 
tracted meeting in. On Sunday, 12th, many 
people flocked to hear him preach. He is a 
plain, honest preacher of the pure gospel of 
Christ. He is not afraid to expose and reprove 
sins of all kind, notwithstanding they may be 
practiced by men of high standing. The meet- 



LIFE OF JOHN FETTERHOFF. 257 

ing was kept up for about three weeks. It 
was well attended, and some souls were truly 
converted, and Christians much built up in the 
service of the Lord. The 13th of this month 
my eldest son Abdiel died. His last word was, 
** I feel good ; do not weep.'' Thus he passed 
away with a bright prospect before him of get- 
ting to rest in glory. 

September, '^liis month I spoke seven times. 
We held m protracted meeting in Clarksville. 
We had blessed times, and souls were convert- 
ed. 

October. This month I spoke three times. 
The a:ood Lord still meets with us at Clarks- 
ville to bless us ; we have times of rejoicing. 

November 13th. A convention met at Salem 
church, four miles from Chambersburg, Pa., 
to express opinions and device ways and means 
to counteract the scheme that was laid by the 
friends of secrecy to oppose our church law, 
that is, against secrecy, at a convention they 
held in Harrisburg in July. They resolved 
that they would not respect nor enforce our law 
against secrecy, nor pay over to the parent 
board of missions the portion of the money 
collected for missionary purposes as required 
by General conference. Thus they declared 
themselves rebels ao^ainst the law of the church. 



258 LIFE OF JOHN FETTERHOFF. 

It is known that when these men joined the 
church as members they promised obedience to 
her laws, and when they were taken into An- 
nual conference they expressed themselves sat- 
isfied with the church government ; and, of 
course, they were deceivers and hypocrites 
then, or are changed persons now, and are no 
longer worthy of membership in the church. 
The convention at Salem church, consisting of 
upwards of one hundred and thirty delegates, 
took an opposite stand and declared themselves 
still satisfied with our church law, and are will- 
ing to enforce it and obey its requirements. 

December 2nd. Sacramental meeting at 
Clarksville. Fifty-two communed. It was a 
soul-cheering time ; many shouted the praises 
of God. 

10th. At Clarksville. God is with this 
people, therefore he blesses them. 

15th. We went to George Fetterhoff's. 
He is feeble, and very low spirited ; he is 
gloomy, and imagines many things. O what a 
poor, weak being man is. 

2ord. At Clarksville. There was a great 
melting and weeping time at this meeting. 

25th. Prayer meeting in our house at 5 
o'clock in the morning. 28 were present, and 
many felt that Christ was born in them the 



LIFE OF fOHX FETTERHOFF. 259 

hope of glory. In the evenmg class meeting, 
and the next evening prayer meeting in our 
house. All these meetins^s were soul-cheerins" 
times. O it is so pleasant to be of one heart 
and mind, and have the assurance that Jesus is 
pleased with us. This month has been very 
mild. Farmers have been plowing and doing 
much spring work, and it also was a pleasant 
time to hold meeting, and the year 1877 is now 
fled. I preached (or exhorted) 50 times in 
this year. 

1878. January 1st. Joseph Fetterhoff and 
daughter Carrie were here on a visit. I preach- 
ed at Clarksville. It is cloudy, but we have 
no snow yet. 

2nd. Joseph and daughter went home. The 
meetings at Clarksville were kept up regularly 
during the month, and we had the Lord's pres- 
ence with us in a peculiar manner at the several 
meetings. 

10th. Preached at the poor-house in both 
(jerman and English, and the word preached 
had a good effect. 

February. Meetings at Clarksville were 
still kept up and the Lord continued to mani- 
fest his presence, and during these meetings 
two souls were blessed. 

24th. Held a sacramental meeting at the 



260 LIFE OF JOHN FETTERHOFF. 

poor-house, ten partaking of the communion. 

March 3rd. Sacramental meeting at Will- 
iams'. On the 17th and 24th meetings were 
also held at Williams'. On the 10th and 31st 
meetings were held at Clarksville ; the last one 
being remarkable on account of the powerful 
manifestation of God's presence, so much so 
that we had to desist from preaching. 

April 7th. Preached a funeral at the poor- 
house. The deceased was a very pious Euro- 
pean. At 5 o'clock I preached at Williams'. 
The 14th and 28th I preached at Clarksville. 
On the 27th of this month we bargained for the 
church house of the Second Methodist congre- 
gation, corner Second and King streets, which 
was brought about by the room in Clarksville 
becoming too small for our increasing congre- 
gation. Said building being for sale, and we 
seeing no chance of returning to the old church 
because there the laws of the church were . not 
respected, and those in authority seemed de- 
termined to bring us into subjection to their 
will, we could not see any other course that we 
could conscientiously pursue and retain the 
dignity of our church principles. 

May 5th. This day we took possession of 
our recently purchased church and held a sac- 
ramental meeting. The Lord manifested his 



LIFE OF JOHN FETTERHOFF. 261 

approbation of our course by pouring out upon 
us such a blessing that our hearts could not 
contain it, but the place resounded with shouts 
of praise to the Lord. Our Sabbath-school 
was held for the first time here in the church 
on the 12th with a good attendance, and from 
that time on we had an encouraging increase. 
From this time forward Bro. Bishop and my- 
self preached on alternate Sabbaths in the 
morning at 10 o'clock, and also in the evening, 
and occasionally some other brother would oc- 
cupy the pulpit. 

June 23rd. Bro. Smiley, of Shippensburg, 
occupied the pulpit morning and evening with 
good effect. 

July. The 4th and 5th were very warm. 
On the 4th the thermometer was 97 degrees 
above zero, and from the 17th to the 21st the 
weather was the warmest we have had for some 
years, the thermometer standing as high as 98 
degrees in the shade and 112 in the sun. 

14th. Bro. Nelson, of Martinsburg, W. 
Ya., preached for us. He also preached on 
the evenings of the 15th and 16th. 

August 15th. Camp meeting commenced at 
Orrstown, but we did not attend. We held 
services on Sabbath of camp in town. 

September 13th. Wife and I started for 



'2i]2 LIFE OF JOHN FETTERHOFF. 



1 



Wooster, Ohio. Arrived at Pittsburg at 12 
o'clock in the night, and had to lay over until 
8 o'clock the next morning on account of the 
heavy rains washing bridges away ; and in con- 
sequence of delays we did not get to Wooster 
till 4 o'clock in the afternoon instead of at 8 in 
the morning. Here I met a first cousin that I 
had not seen for 56 years — Susanna Whitmore. 
She had been a widow for some 18, years and 
was now in her 88th year, and yet she was 
very active and her mental faculties extra good ; 
and the best of all, her prospects for a better 
world are very bright. In consideration of 
these things our meeting was very pleasant. 
And what seemed to me so yery strange was, 
that although she did not know of my coming 
yet when I went into the room and said, " I 
suppose you don't know me," she said, ** I 
don't know that I do, unless you are John 
Fetterhoff." On the Monday following the 
16th we returned to Canal Fulton and lodged 
with Balser Arthin, and on Tuesday the minis- 
terial association of the German conference 
took place there and we had a very pleasant 
time for two days, and quite a number of doc- 
trinal points were examined and debated very 
satisfactorily. Annual conference went into 
session the 19th ; Bishop Dickson in the chair. 



LIFE OF JOHN FETTERHOFF. 263 

A more friendly and peaceable set of men nev- 
er met in conference than they were, there not 
being a hard word or hard thought ; and they 
strictly regard the law of God and of the 
church, and therefore will not allow secrecy 
men among them, either in the ministry or 
laity. The Quarterly conference of Chambers- 
burg, Pa., sent a paper to this session of con- 
ference impeaching me for preaching to the 
congregation who formerly worshiped in Clarks- 
ville, but more recently at the King street 
church ; who were abused and driven out of 
the old congregation there by nullificationists 
violatino^ and disreo^ardino^ the laws of the 
church because they insisted on the enforce- 
ment of said laws. AVhen the aforenamed pa- 
per was laid before the conference, I did not 
say anything in my defence, having confidence 
in my brethren that they would do what is 
right ; and the conference utterly ignored the 
paper, giving my accusers notice that they 
could not act on it until they had further infor- 
mation and saw cause for action. After visit- 
ing John Oyler and some other friends on the 
25th we returned to Harrisburg, and on the 
26th went up to Armstrong valley and visited 
a goodly number of our friends, and on Sun- 
day, the 29th, I preached for them, there being 



264 LIFE OF JOHN FETTP^KHOFF. 

a large congregation present. On Monda}', 
the 30th, we returned home all well. 

October. The meetings in the church were 
kept up during this month as usual. 

November. Durino- this month our meetino-s 
were kept up as usual. 

December, On Christmas morning our pro- 
tracted meeting commenced at a prayer meeting 
at 5 o'clock, which was well attended for so 
early an hour. Sabbath morning, the 29th, 
sacramental meetino' w^as held and it was a 
peculiar time for joy and rejoicing. The meet- 
ing continued at half past 2 o'clock, P. M., and 
at candle-light during that week. And on 
Sunda}^ January 5th, 1879, Bro. J. K. Nelson, 
of Martinsburg, W. Va., preached for us and 
five presented themselves at the altar for pray- 
er. Monday evening tvrelve came to the altar ; 
Tuesday evening eighteen, eight of whom were 
blessed; Wednesday evening thirteen, and one 
blessed ; Thursday evening eight, and three 
blessed. Thus the meeting continued with 
much interest until the 19th of February and 
nearly forty received the pardon of their sins 
through the blood of Christ. Thirty-two join- 
ed the church. 

March 5th. Pennsylvania .Innual confer- 
ence met at Chambersburg. Bishop Gloss- 



LIFE OF JOHX FETTERHOFF. 265 

brenner presided and was assisted by Bishop 
Dickson. Throughout the session the spirit of 
nullification as manifested at the Harrisburg 
convention predominated without receiving re- 
buke from the bishops, who rather gave their 
encouragement in that direction, which was 
shown in the cases of Rev's. Fohl, Bishop, 
Bickley and Hiram Fetterhoft', as follows : At 
the session of the conference of 1878, which 
met at York, Bro's. J. Fohl and A. Bickley 
were censured, and Bro. J. M. Bishop was 
suspended for one year. These brethren con- 
sidering the action of the conference as unjust 
and illegal took an appeal from the same to 
General conference. Notwithstanding this the 
names of these brethren were again taken be- 
fore a committee of the conference of 1879. 
Said committee reported that the cases of these 
brethren were out of the jurisdiction of the 
Annual conference, they having appealed to the 
General conference, and therefore this confer- 
ence could not take action in their case. The 
report of the committee was adopted, but dur- 
ing the interval until INIonday a caucus meeting 
was hold by those who were not friendly to 
these brethren, and on Monday a reconsidera- 
tion of their cases was called for by them. A 
motion to that eftect prevailing, and the bish- 



266 LIFE OF JOHN FETTEKHOFF. 

ops not overruling the same, as was their duty, 
since the appeal of these brethren had taken 
the case out of their hands, they took the fol- 
lowing action : Bro. Bishop they expelled from 
the conference and the office of the ministry, 
and Bro's. Fohl and Bickley were put on three 
months' probation, to cease preaching for the 
people of King street church, and were to be 
held amenable to the Chambersburg Quarterly 
conference during this time. At the end of 
their probation if they continued to preach for 
the above named people they were to be sus- 
pended by the presiding elder of Chambersburg 
district. In view of this decision Bro. Fohl 
put the following question to Bishop Glossbren- 
ner : ' * If three-fourths of the members of a 
Quarterly conference belong to a secret lodge, 
is their action lawful ?" But the bishop treated 
this question with silent contempt. Some mis- 
construed the question and charged Bro. Fohl 
with saying that three-fourths of Chambersburg 
Quarterly conference were members of secret 
societies. But this he denied and proved to be 
false. The history of the cases of these breth- 
ren will show that they were thus maltreated 
on account of their lo3'alty. 

In reference to Hiram Fetterholf it was well 
known that he was a member of the Masonic 



LIFE OF JOHN FETTERHOFF. 267 

lodge for a number of years without any effort 
being made to enforce Discipline in his case. 
And at the Annual conference of 1879 he sent 
a letter requesting an honorable dismissal from 
the conference and church. After the letter 
was read a brother arose and said he could not 
see how the request could be granted, as ac- 
cording to Discipline H. Fetterhoif was now no 
member of the church on account of his being a 
member of the Masonic fraternity. Bishop 
Glossbrenner arose and stated that Bro. Fetter- 
hoff had passed at his Quarterly conference 
without censure or complaint, therefore he 
thought his request should be granted, and that 
he should receive an honorable dismissal. A 
vote being taken his request was granted. 
From all the proceedings of this conference it 
could easily be noticed that the law of the 
church on secrecy was treated as a dead letter, 
and the spirit of their nullification conventions 
was carried out as far as possible. If this were 
not so, why would they take away the privi- 
leo^es and seek to ruin the characters of some 
of the best men who have borne the burden and 
heat of the day, and for no other cause than for 
preaching to a loyal, honest, godly people that 
have been badly maltreated, by being taken 
away from the trusteeship, class leader's and 



268 LIFE OF JOHN FETTEKHOFF. 

steward's office, and the parties seeking to break 
up classes which in the aggregate numbered 
117 members. The great crime ofBro's. Fohl, 
Bishop and Bickley was, preaching for these 
people whom God has wonderfully blessed in 
their work of saving souls, and who live in 
peace and harmony. The conference also pass- 
ed a resolution that none of the preachers 
should be allowed to preach for the people of 
the King street church, or give their influence 
to any of their meetings. The penalty for so 
doing was that they were to be held amenable 
to the Annual conference and not be intrusted 
with a field of labor thereafter. But some of 
the ministers thought this resolution to conflict 
with the command of Christ which was, " Go 
ye into all the w^orld and preach my gospel to 
every creature." A few of them at the close of 
conference before leaving for home had an ap- 
pointment at King street church, which was 
:filled by Wickey and Weidler ; and such a man- 
ifestation of the presence and power of God is 
seldom witnessed in a church. The resolution 
of the conference had but little effect to cause 
discouragement or dampness to the members of 
King street church, but the Lord was with 
them and afforded them courage by the saving 
of souls and the addition of members. 



LIFE OF JOHN FETTERHOFF. 269 

April. During this month we have had the 
assistance of Bro's Smiley, and Dyson (a Meth- 
odist preacher) , and the work of grace is still 
o^oino- on. 

May. This month the pulpit was filled al- 
ternately by Bro. Bishop and mj^self, the work 
still progressing. 

June. The pulpit this month was filled by 
the same as last month, with several powerful 
exhortations by Bro. Bickley. Truly God's 
Spirit is operating upon the hearts and minds of 
his people. 

July. The Gth and 20th of this month Jacob 
Erb, from Buffido N. Y., filled the pulpit very 
acceptably to the people, and seemed to enjoy 
himself extra well, and expressed a desire to 
change his locality and make his home among 
this people. 

August. The first Sabbath of this month I 
preached to the people of Falling Spring. 
Some German folks, of Chambersburg, express- 
ed a desire that we should preach German to 
them in King street church, which I did the 
last Sabbath in the month. This was the first 
German sermon preached in the church. It 
had a good effect on the minds of the Germans, 
which was manifested in the future, by some of 



270 LIFE OF JOHN FETTERHOrF. 

them becomincr converted and anitinff with the 
church. 

September. The first Sabbath we had com- 
munion services, and Rev. Thomas, of the 
Virginia conference preached for us. Nothing 
of any note occurred the balance of the month. 

October 3rd. My son Samuel and wife 
arrived from the state of Indiana, and paid us a 
visit. On Sunday, 5th, I preached at King 
street church and there was great rejoicing. 
About the 19th I preached at a protracted meet- 
ing at Joseph Crider's ; in the evening eight 
came forward for prayer and two were blessed. 

November. A protracted meeting commenc- 
ed at Kino^ street church about the first week 
of this month, by holding daily prayer meeting. 
The meeting was protracted during this month 
with considerable success, a goodly number 
were saved and nine added to the church. 

December. The protracted meeting still on 
hands, and still going on during this month. 
So far some eighteen have made profession of 
religion, and twenty-three have been out as 
seekers ; fifteen during this meeting were added 
to the church. Had communion services on 
the 28th. The joy of the people was great, 
and the noise heard afar off. During the past 
year we have had many seasons of great joy, 



LIFE OF JOHN FETTEHHOFF. 271 

and the year came to a close with peace and 
harmony in the church. 

1880. January. There is nothing special. 
The church is still in a good spiritual condition, 
and the Sabbath-school has prospered much. 
On the 11th of this month there were present 
in the Sabbath-school 233. 

February. Weather very mild for winter. 
On the 22nd Bro. Smiley preached both morn- 
ing and evening. On the 24th we made gar- 
den. On the 25th we planted potatoes. 

March. On the 14th Bro. Ely preached for 
us at ten. In the afternoon 1 preached German. 
I preached German again on the 22nd, and it 
was a soul-stirring time. This far there were 
seven of the Germans converted and truly ob- 
tained the blessing to their souls. 

April. During this month I preached twice 
to the Germans. The Lord is still with us by 
his Spirit, blessing both Germans and English. 

May. Every other Sabbath I still preach to 
the Germans. The latter part of the month 
was extra warm, 96 degrees above zero. On 
the 30th Bro. Nelson, of Martinsburg, W. Ya., 
preached our dedicatory sermon, and had also 
communion services to-day. 

June. Meeting still kept up ; nothing extra- 
ordinary occurred. 



272 LIFE OF JOHN FETTEKHOFF. 

July. The first Sabbath of this month Bro. 
Huber preached mornmg and evening. 18th I 
preached English at 10 o'clock, and German in 
the afternoon. Preached German the 25th. 

August. Nothing special this month ; meet- 
ings both English and German are still kept 
up. 

September. The first Sabbath I preached 
German. An extra state of good feeling. I 
am 82 years of age this 9th day of the month. 
Preached German again the 19th. The other 
Sabbaths were filled by English preaching. 

October. The first Sabbath of this month 
Bro. Wickey preached, and the pulpit was 
filled for some time by Bro's. Wickey and 
Weidler with good success. The following 
three Sabbaths I preached at Falling Spring, a 
protracted meeting being in progress there. 

November. The 2nd Sabbath of the month 
I preached German again ; a good attendance 
and a good feeling among them. The 18th of 
the month Susanna and I went to Armstrong 
valley in Dauphin county, and visited some of 
our relatives and some of the churches at Hali- 
fax, Jacksonville, Fishersville and Fetterhoflfs 
chapel. I tried to preach to the people, and 
Ave found some precious souls who have been in 
the service of the Lord a goodly number of 



LIFE OF JOHN FETTERHOFl\ 273 

years, and they are still firm in the cause of 
God and stick to the old landmarks ; but many 
having been influenced by nullification ministers, 
and having stepped aside from the old paths, 
have lost the life of vital godliness, and have 
the form without the power. It is lamentable 
if we must say that many are more concerned 
for tiie fleece than the flock. 

30th. I preached in our church. The meet- 
ing is protracted. 

December 1st. This week the meeting was 
attended wtth much of the blessing and power 
of God in the conversion of sinners. 

7th. Five were out as seekers ; three were 
blessed with joy. The meeting was continued 
till the 28th. We had communion then and it 
was a soul-cheering time on account of the joy- 
ful presence of God. During this meeting 
eighteen made a profession. On the 1.5th we 
went down to Steelton, three miles below Har- 
risburg, where it is supposed they have the 
greatest iron works that are in America to make 
steel rails for railroad purposes. They produce 
from five to seven hundred steel mils per day, 
and consume one hundred and fifty tons of coal 
every twenty-four hours, and employ about 
seven hundred or seven hundred and fifty hands. 
We came home the 17th and in better health 



'27A LIFE OF JOHN FETTERHOFF. 

than when we started. The 20th it commenced 
snowinof at 12 o'clock, and continued snowinof 
for about twenty-four hours. About 8 niches 
of snow fell. 

1881. January. This was an extraordmary 
€old month. The 20th it rained all night and 
froze. Never did I see so much ice on trees. 
The ice stayed on the trees several days on 
account of the cold. Our meetings were good. 

February. It still continued cold till the 
13th, Sunday. Mild. I preached from Acts 
10: 38. A joyful time. Four joined church. 

20th. I preached German. There was a 
good attendance. Some are under conviction, 
and were converted durin«f this month. 

March 4th. Fifteen inches snow this morn- 
ing. During this month our meetings were 
much blessed and we had good attendance. 

17th. Sacramental meeting. Bro. Weidler 
preached for us. The meeting was blessed 
with an overflow of joy ; it was good to be 
there. 

May. This month the meetings went on as 
usual without much change. German preach- 
ing was still kept up, and some six or eight 
were brought to a knowledge of the pardon of 
their sins, and joy in the Holy Ghost. 

June 11th. We went to Crider's. 12th I 



LIFE OF JOHxN FETTEKHOFF. 21 ^> 



preached in their church morning and evening. 
On Monday a little girl 13 years of age who 
was killed by a bull was buried here. I took 
cold and a severe cough during our stay here. 
I became so feeble that I could not attend to 
regular appointments. This jmt a stop to Ger- 
man meeting in our church. 

July 1st. At 2 o'clock I got a dis[)atch that 
m}' only daughter, Christena Upp, of nea.i 
LaFayette, Ind., had died this morning very 
sudden and unexpected. Now only two out of 
five of my children remain. 

17th. Sunday. I preached for the colored 
Baptists. They are simple but honest Chris- 
tians. 

24th. I am unwell — very feeble. 

oOth. Dr. Bowman called. He gave medi- 
cine, it had a good effect, 1 got better ; but I 
am still weak, not able to be up much. 

August. The first week was very warm. 
The thermometer stood between 90 and 9(> 
degrees. My two sons received a note from 
my wife on Wednesday evening, 4th, and on 
the 6th they started to come to see me, and on 
Saturday thev' arrived. As they found me 
better and on the mend they started back for 
home the 11th. The same day, our camp meet- 
ing commenced near Fayetteville. We did not 



276 IJFE OF JOHS FETTEKHOFF. 

go to camp till Monday. We stayed till 
Thursday evening and then went home. I was 
<|uite unwell and had severe grav^el pains, and 
this continued for 2<^ or 80 days. The above 
camp meeting it was supposed would be a small 
thing, consisting of ten or fifteen tents and few 
preachers, and be much disturbed by the wick- 
ed. This all proved a mistake. There were 
thirty-three or thirty-live tents and some twenty 
preachers, some from a distance, a good con- 
gregation, and never was there better order at 
a meeting of this kind — no better behavior in a 
church house (so said). Many were saved from 
sin and made new in Christ Jesus. 

September 9th. This day I am 83 years old, 
and to look back to the days of my childhood 
time seems to have been short ; yet short as it 
seems, great and marvelous changes have taken 
place. In the early part of my life all or nearly 
all labor was performed by physical strength 
used by the hand, as grain cut with the cradle, 
threshed with a flail or tread out by horses, and 
many other acts of labor similar to this, which 
I have no time or space to mention, were per- 
formed in the same manner ; biit at this stage of 
my life nearly all work is done by machinery 
and steam power. In the church, in a moral 
point of view , the change is equally as great, 



LIFK OF JOHN FETTEKHOFF. 277 

if not greater. In the j^ear 1818 I embraced 
religion, and obtained license to preach in May, 
1819 ; and at this enrl}^ date of my knowledge 
of the church professors of experimental religion 
could be known by their walk and conversation, 
whether at home or abroad. Their dress and 
behavior were in strict accordance with the 
Bible; any other would not be indulged as 
church members by the fathers: therefore in 
those days there was no associating with ungod- 
ly or frivolous company, nor aiming to pattern 
after such in dress, &c., but a separation as the 
Book requires.— (Ex. 38: 16.) ^'Wherefore 
come out from among them, and be ye separate, 
saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing ; 
and I will receive you."— (2 Cor. 6: 17.) 
It was not allowed by the fathers to belong 
to any worldly association, or lodge, or 
any thing of the kind, which was i)roven by 
Bishop Newcomer at the Miami conference in 
the spring of 1820, and all the fathers as far as I 
know were in perfect sympathy with his proceed- 
ings. Thus the church was a perfect unit, and 
perfect peace and harmony reigned among them. 
While they had such leaders at their front, the 
laws of the church were enforced to the letter, 
and the blessing of God accompanied them in 
the conversion of sinners because they were 



278 LIFE OF JOHN FETTEKHOFF. 

influenced by the Holy Ghost. What is the 
i'hurch to-da}'? Can you tell a truly converted 
person- — a member of the church from the world 
were you to meet him on the street or in the 
house of worship? and can a minister of the 
gospel be known from the world and its pro- 
fessions by his appearance ? Their sermons and 
labors are merely gathered from lectures and 
sketch books, and are thus chiefly head-work 
and have not the power of God in them. The 
aim is to oatlier all into the church that can be 
o-ot in, and thus members of worldly associa- 
tions are taken in and the laws of the church 
are not respected ))y them ; and, sorry to say, 
our church officers to a great extent lead the 
way in this direction, which is evident from the 
fact that they will select men as foremen of 
committees to do business for the church at the 
difl'erent confereu'-es who have declared them- 
selves opposed to a great portion of the laws of 
the church, and have met in conventions and 
declared that they would not respect the laws 
of the church as a whole : and such men seem 
to be esteemed as much, if not more, by some 
of our superintendents than those who are faith- 
ful to the laws of the church. As long as an 
vVnnual conference professes loyalty and puts 
men to her front as presiding eiders and othei' 



LIFE OF JoiiK fettp:uhoff. '27[^ 

officers who are not in full sympathy with the 
laws of the church, I can have no confidence in 
its loyalty. I am aware that the plea is that this 
is a progressive age and we must keep up with 
the times, but my impression is that this savors 
of infidelity. God, who is the originator of 
religion, we are taught never changes, but ever 
abides the same ; hence the religion which his 
Word advocates must remain the same : there- 
fore those who plead for a change in it might 
as w^ell plead for a change in God. The apos- 
tle admonishes us to walk ])y the same rule and 
mind the same things which we have received. 
Ahab loved the priests of Baal. Elij;ih knew 
that they were a curse to the church of God as 
all are who seek to blend woildly piinciples 
with God's service. This month (September) 
I was atiiicted and did not get to church, but I 
felt more of the presence of God than common. 
Glory to God, all is well. 

October. My health is improving. Sunday, 
16th, I preached to a large congregation from 
Zechariah 13 : 7, 8, 9. There was a good state 
of feeling. The 22nd Joseph Fetterhoft* came 
to see us. The oOth 1 iireach^j-d from Luke 4 : 
18-21. 

November. Sacnimentjil njeeting. Weidter 
j)reached. 'i'he meetinii" \vas j)r()tracted. The 



280 LIFE OF JOH> Fi:T'J'El{HOFr. 

14th we went to Joseph Crider's, and the 15th 
on the way home the horse got scared, run oif, 
upset the buggy and hurt us badly, but if the 
Lord had not taken care of us we might both 
have been killed. Sunday, 20th, 1 was at 
home, still suffering pain caused by the fall. 
The 27th I preached from Luke D : 23. Plight 
joined church, A very pleasant meeting. 

December 8th. I fell on the pavement and 
hurt my face and head badly, which prevented 
me from attending any of the meetings during 
the remainder of this month. 

1882. January. The first Sunday I preach- 
ed to the colored Baptists. They were much 
effected. On account of ill health and hio^h 
wind and cold weather I was prevented from 
attendino: meetino^ at the church durinof this 
month, but the protracted meeting that was 
begun in Noveinber is still going on and kept 
up by the })ious labors of sisters and some lay- 
brethren. 

February Dth. This day Logan Keller died 
— the best youncr man in Chambersburo-, the 
most pious, unassuming, humble and devoted 
Christian. The 26th I preached. A good 
meeting. Four joined church, and so far it was 
said upwards of 70 made a profession of relig- 
ion ; ])ut we mny say as Christ said, "Many 



LIFK OF JOHN FETTEKHOFF. 281 

arc called, but few are chosen" amoiw those 
who make a profession. It is to be feared that 
there are too many among them who are of the 
character of Demas ; they love this present 
world and its fashions and will make shipwreck 
of faith.— (1 Tim. 1: 9; and 2 Tim. 4: 10.) 
Such persons do more injury to the cause of 
Christ than all the infidels in the world. This 
has been the ruin of the church in an early day, 
and in the reformation in Europe. Persons 
professed faith in Christ, and fell in love with 
men of the world and kept their company and 
became like unto them. And just so it is now 
in America. You can not see a difference be- 
tween those who profess Christianity and those 
who do not in their dress or walk as you meet 
them on the street or in the church, unless by 
some church form. 

April 2nd. Weidler preached. The sermon 
was clear, but not powerful as usual. On the 
30th we again had sacramental meeting. It 
was not as interestino* as was common on such 

o 

occasions. 

May 7th. Ely preached, and Weidler ex- 
horted. There was a soul-stirring and noisy 
time. The 20th Joseph Crider came after us. 
We went home with him. On Sunday we 
heard Burtner preach. It was a sensible dis- 



282 LIFE OF JOHN FETTEKHOFF. 

course on the character of Christians. At 
candle-light I preached. The church at this 
place is in a better condition than it had been 
for some time past. 

June. The dropsy has a great hold on me 
again ; my face, legs and feet are nmch swollen, 
but I have not much pain, though unpleasant 
feeling in my bod3\ The 18th I preached and 
went home with Jacob Xicklas. Being indis- 
posed I have been prevented from attending 
night meeting, as I am very weak and afflicted 
with dizziness or verdigo as it is called. 

July 2nd. Preached from Luke 13 : '62. 
I said something about Herod the fox, his mes- 
sage to Christ and Christ's reply to him — that 
he was attending to the work of casting out 
devils and healing the sick, and he would keep 
on at that until his Avork was done, for after the 
gospel day there will be no more souls saved 
by Christ. The doctrine of hell redemption 
has no foundation. Thursday, 5th, mother 
Monn came to see us and stayed till the 10th, 
then went l)ack to Ebersoles where she has her 
home. 

9th. Weidler preached. AVe had sacra- 
ment. Bishop preached the two following- 
Sabbaths, and on the 80th Bro. Tol)ey, of 
Ohio, tilled the pulpit. He i)reached well. 



LIFE OF JOHN FETTER] lOFF. 283 

August Gth. I preached from Zech. 3:2. 
The 10th our camp meeting commenced in 
B. Small's woods. Prayer meeting on the 13th 
at Williams' at 4 ox-lock, P. M. On the 14th 
we went to camp meeting. Rev. Donevan 
preached, then the sacrament was administered. 
There was much powder and joy among the 
saints. The 17lh we went home in better 
health. Weidler preached in our church on 
the 20th. The 26th Crider took us to his 
home. We returned the 28th. Wet weather 
lately, but to-day is very pleasant. 

30th. The dropsy is still working on me; 
I do not feel Avell. 

September 3rd. At 10 o'clock Bro. Bishop 
preached — cold and dull. On the 10th he lect- 
ured on Masonry at 10 o'clock. 

14th. I do not feel well, have pain in my 
breast and shoulders. 

17th. Bishop preached, and Ely exhorted 
well. 

24th. At 10 o'clock I preached from 1 Cor. 
12: 17. Visited Rinehardt' J. 

Up to this <late John Fetterhoff's journal was written 
by himself. In his last sickness under which he was la- 
boring at this time and which terminated in his death, 
he felt sensible of his departure at an early day and 
seemed fully resigned an<l ready to go. In the afternoon 
of the day jjreceeding his death lie looked up into his 



284 LIFE OF JOHN FETTEIMIOFF. 

wife's face and sai(], " I think the Lord will take me 
soon." Not long afterward while an old minister in vis- 
iting him was praying with him and asking the Lord to 
spare him yet a little longer if agreeable with his will, 
he said audibly, " No." This he repeated the second 
time while the brother went on with his prayer in the 
same direction. Awhile after this his wife asked him 
whether he had any thing further to say in reference to 
his affairs. He replied, " No-" His last words were, '' J 
am resting fully on the atonement of Christ." Thus this 
faithful old soldier passed away about 2 o'clock on the 
morning of the 14th of October, 1882, nged 84 years, 1 
month, and 5 days. 























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